U.S. Olympic Trials: Erika Connolly, Catie Deloof Set for 100 Freestyle Swimoff; Chase for Potential Olympic Spot

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

U.S. Olympic Trials: Erika Connolly, Catie Deloof Set for 100 Freestyle Swimoff; Chase for Potential Olympic Spot

Up to six swimmers qualify for the U.S. Olympic team in the women’s and men’s 100 freestyle for relay purposes, but following Wednesday’s final of the women’s 100 free, it’s unclear who will get the last spot if roster space allows for all sixth-place swimmers to be added.

Erika Connolly and Catie Deloof, both members of the U.S. women’s 400 free relay that won bronze three years ago in Tokyo, tied for sixth place in the final at 53.86, meaning a swim-off will be required to split the two swimmers. That swim-off will take place following Thursday’s prelims session.

This outcome continues a Trials trend of numerous tie-breaking races, for alternate spots, semifinal spots and even berths in the top-eight. Aaron Shackell defeated David Diehl to make it into the men’s 200 free final while Connolly actually had to defeat teenager Anna Moesch in a head-to-head showdown at the end of Tuesday’s finals to determine who would earn lane eight in the final. That means Connolly will need to swim the 100 free a whopping five times in Indianapolis in order to claim her spot on the team.

In the 100 free final, Kate Douglass and Torri Huske finished 1-2 to earn individual spots in Paris in the 100 free while Gretchen Walsh and Simone Manuel are the other automatic relay qualifiers. Abbey Weitzeil will likely earn a spot on her third Olympic team for relay purposes after her fifth-place finish.

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