By Nicole E. Johnson, Swimming World College Intern
The Olympics Trials is always an especially patriotic time for Americans. We get to watch rookie athletes qualify for their first Olympic team as well as our beloved returning athletes once again clench a spot. It’s the time of year where swimmers would actually rather watch TV instead of eating or sleeping, and where non-swimming Americans jump on the swimming bandwagon.
Since the Olympics only come around once every four years, every swimmer sits with their eyes glued to the TV during Trials; finally getting to watch their sport on TV.
Although the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials may just be entertainment to some, the event inspires many young swimmers watching. There are tons of reasons why Americans tuned into the Olympic Trials, but here are just a few.
1. We saw that dreams can come true.
Photo Courtesy: Kevin McCarthy
Every swimmer trains for and dreams of the day that they are able to make it to the Olympic Trials and possibly even the Olympics. Although the majority of swimmers won’t even touch the deck of the trials pool, everyone is able to witness the pure joy of those who do get the opportunity. Olympians are truly living the athlete’s version of the “American dream”. They get to compete in the sport they love and make a difference for the country the love. It doesn’t get much better than that.
2. We saw hard work finally pay off.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
There is so much preparation that goes into training for the Olympics. Swimmers put hundreds of thousands of hours into the pool. Qualifying for the Olympics makes all of those exhausting hours so worth it. As each swimmer touches the wall and looks up at the scoreboard, everyone watching can see the excitement of the fortunate top two. Seeing the reactions of those who qualify for the Olympic team leaves every spectator feeling like they were part of that satisfying moment.
3. We watched our fellow Americans succeed.
Photo Courtesy: Erich Schlegel/USA Today Sports Images
Being able to watch the United States completely dominate in something is definitely awesome. There is so much patriotism in the air during the Olympic season and it’s always great to watch and see if the United States ends up on top. The Olympics unites our country and gets everyone involved, whether it is competing in your sport or cheering for your favorite athletes from far away. The Olympic Trials served as a perfect way to get acquainted with the faces who will make our country proud in Rio.
4. We experienced swimming fans and swimmers in their element.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
It’s about time that we get to show the world what we know, right? We sit through more than three years of other sports until we get to watch our own. Olympic season is the time when we can surprise people with random fun facts about swimming as well as all possible background information on the swimmers competing. The swimming portion of the Olympics is finally the time where all swimmers get to explain to their friends and family what exactly it is that they do. We get to teach other viewers the difference between all four strokes and answer every question imaginable, no matter how obvious the answer may seem to us.
5. We’re fired up to watch the Olympics.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Last but certainly not least, watching the Olympic Trials gets us amped to watch the Olympics. If you watch Trials, you will start to learn the names of the athletes that will be representing you and your country in Rio. Watching Trials made us all puff with pride over the country we live in. Go USA!