An impressive assembly of current, future, and former Kentucky swimmers and divers are gearing up for their shot at qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The trials, taking place both in the United States and internationally, are set to commence in the coming days, and the Wildcats are ready to make a splash.
U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials
The largest contingent of Kentucky hopefuls will compete at the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials, held from June 15-23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. A total of 10 current UK swimmers, along with two incoming transfers, will be vying for a coveted spot on Team USA. These 12 athletes represent 25 entries, led by rising senior Nick Caruso, who is qualified in four events.
Swimmers can secure their place on Team USA by finishing in the top two of any event, provided they have met the Olympic Standard time. Levi Sandidge enters the trials as the highest-seeded Wildcat, boasting the eighth-fastest seed time in the 1500m freestyle. On the women’s side, Caroline Benda is the top-seeded Wildcat, holding the 23rd spot in the 400m IM.
Events 200m or shorter will feature three rounds: preliminaries, semifinals, and finals. To advance, swimmers must place in the top 16 in prelims and the top eight in the semifinals. Events 400m or longer will go straight from preliminaries to finals.
Qualifying heats start at 11 a.m. each day and can be viewed live on Peacock. Finals follow at 8 p.m., airing on both NBC and Peacock. Detailed information, including heat sheets, meet schedules, and tickets, is available on the meet’s homepage.
Kentucky U.S. Swimming Olympic Trial Participants:
- Caroline Benda: 400m IM, 1500m Free
- Torie Buerger: 100m Back, 200m Back
- Nick Caruso: 200m Free, 400m Free, 800m Free, 1500m Free
- Bridget Engel: 100m Breast, 200m Breast
- Grace Frericks: 200m Back
- Maddy Hartley: 200m Fly
- Carson Hick: 800m Free, 1500m Free
- Drew Johnson: 50m Free
- Ryan Merani: 200m Fly, 200m IM, 400m IM
- Chris Nagy: 400m Free, 800m Free, 1500m Free
- Denise Phelan: 100m Breast
- Levi Sandidge: 400m IM, 800m Free, 1500m Free
U.S. Diving Olympic Trials
Kentucky will also be represented at the U.S. Diving Olympic Trials, held from June 17-23 at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Rising senior Abby Devereaux, incoming freshman Avery Giese, and alumna Kyndal Knight will compete, each aiming to secure a spot in Paris.
The action begins with the women’s synchronized 3-meter prelims on June 17 and concludes with the women’s platform final on June 23. Fans can watch live coverage on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock, with five nights of primetime broadcasting. Complete schedules and additional information are available online.
Synchronized events consist of preliminaries and finals, with the top eight teams from preliminaries advancing to the finals. Individual diving events include preliminaries, semifinals, and finals, with the top finishers advancing through each round. The top one or two divers from the finals will be nominated to the U.S. Olympic Team.
Kentucky Diving Competitors:
- Abby Devereaux: Platform
- Avery Giese: 3M Synchro, Platform Synchro
- Kyndal Knight: 3M, 3M Synchro
French Elite Championships
Internationally, two Kentucky swimmers will compete at the French Elite Championships, the qualifying meet for the French Olympic Team. The meet runs from June 16-21 in Chartres, France, featuring rising fifth-year Max Berg and incoming sophomore Justin Pèresse.
Berg holds the eighth-fastest seed time in the 100m freestyle and is set to compete in multiple events. More information is available on the meet’s homepage.
Kentucky Swimmers at the French Elite Championships:
- Max Berg: 50m Free, 100m Free, 50m Fly, 100m Fly
- Justin Pèresse: 50m Free, 100m Free, 200m Free
As the trials approach, the Kentucky swimming and diving community is filled with anticipation. With a blend of seasoned competitors and promising newcomers, the Wildcats are poised to make a strong bid for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
