By Cristian Corbett, Swimming World College Intern
Every four years, swimmers from around the country get a chance to represent Team USA at the summer Olympics. This chance is called the Olympic Trials. The fastest swimmers from all over the United States come to one place to duke it out and earn their spots on the Olympic Team. After attending this year’s Trials, I firmly believe that anyone and everyone with a swimming background should attend the Olympic Trials. Here’s why…
1. It’s the greatest swim meet on American soil.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Sure, we have big meets like the men’s and women’s NCAA championships, winter and summer nationals, and the Grand Prix series, but the Olympic Trials beats these meets by a mile. The CenturyLink center in Omaha, Nebraska seats over 15,000 people and sells out almost every night. Light shows and performances from Cirque Du Soleil make this meet unlike any other.
2. You get to see the fastest swimmers in America.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
The Olympic Trials time standards for the U.S. are just straight up brutal, so you know for a fact that only the elite swimmers will be in attendance. Phelps, Lochte, Adrian, Ervin…the list goes on. These guys and gals are the cream of the crop, and you won’t see faster swimming anywhere else on this side of the Atlantic.
3. AQUA ZONE
Photo Courtesy: USA Swimming
When you’ve got some down time waiting in between sessions, USA Swimming has built what they call the Aqua Zone. It’s filled with tons of booths to win cool stuff like foam fingers, buttons, pins, caps, you name it. It’s basically a swimmer’s version of Comic Con. There’s a rock climbing wall, and you can even try out the Michael Phelps swim spa. There’s a store where you can buy Speedo, Arena and TYR gear, and who knows…you might run into a few familiar faces.
4. You get to meet famous swimmers.
Photo Courtesy: Cristian Corbett
Ever wanted to meet the swimmers that you see killing it in college or multi-gold winning Olympians? You can do it right here. Swimmers such as Kevin Cordes, Tom Shields, Ian Crocker, Garrett Weber-Gale, Jason Lezak, Ryan Lochte and Missy Franklin all made appearances this year. You can snag an autographed photo, or have them sign something that you own. Either way, it’s a fun experience.
5. Omaha is one of the most beautiful cities in the Midwest.
Photo Courtesy: Visit Omaha
Omaha has much more to offer than a swim meet. When you’re all burnt out from the Aqua Zone, you can head down to the Old Farmer’s Market in Omaha and grab a bite to eat, or catch a game of the College World Series across the street. Omaha is also home to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which was rated the best zoo in America in 2014.
6. Why not?
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Attending the Olympic Trials was an incredible experience. Getting to meet idols, watching fast swimming, and being in a community that shares the same adoration for swimming as you is something you just can’t beat. Tickets might not be cheap, but hey, you’ve got four years to save up. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be behind the blocks instead of in the stands…
We are going through OT16 withdrawal! It was amazing, and we are sad that it’s over. ?
See you in 2020!
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Thanks for the great comments on the City of Omaha. We would love to host Again… In 2020
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Plus we will get to see Jake swim!!
SO going!!!!
Heather Beier Eva Eva Beier Joelle Tarczewski
If you have not gone don’T KNOW WHAT YOUR MISSING