Jessica Hardy announced on her Instagram this morning that she suffered a concussion after a collision during warmups Friday night at the Arena Pro Swim Series in Mesa.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEWNRjAFdfI/
Hardy finished fourth in the 100 breaststroke Thursday night. Friday morning Hardy swam the 12th fastest time in the 50 freestyle to qualify for the B final. She was listed as a medical scratch when she did not compete Friday night.
USA Swimming prohibits swimmers from returning to the water after receiving a concussive blow until a medical professional has cleared the athlete. Hardy has nearly two months to recover before the US Olympic Trials.
In 2012, Hardy won bronze as a member of the 400 freestyle relay and gold on the 400 medley relay. She will be vying for her second trip to the Olympic Games at Trials, beginning June 26 in Omaha.
Sorry to hear about the concussion. They do take time to recover from.
It would be interesting to hear about the details of the collision since, according to the rules, diving is banned during warm-up except in one way sprint lanes. Observing at the few nationals/major meets I have attended suggest this rule is not closely enforced.
Perhaps this will result in a more diligent approach to the No Diving rule?
Paul Windrath