Olympic Trials Day 2 Semifinals: Katie Ledecky Leads Women’s 200 Freestyle; Simone Manuel Into Final

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Olympic Trials Day 2 Semifinals: Katie Ledecky Leads Women’s 200 Freestyle; Simone Manuel Into Final

A packed field spread into two semifinal heats at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials.

With relay spots on the line, the finals are set.

It will see Katie Ledecky, who had the top seed and fellow Olympic gold medalist Simone Manuel, who snagged the last finals spot thanks to a huge start from Lane 1.

Paige Madden, Katie Grimes and hometown swimmer Alex Shackell all made the finals.

Manuel was out in a 26.81 and was well ahead at 55.86 at the 100 mark. Madden was at 1:26.32 just ahead of Madden at the final turn.

Madden made her move late and finished in 1:56.36 to win the heat. Anna Peplowski also had a late charge and took second in 1:57.55.

Manuel was third in 1:57.63 from lane 1.

In the second semifinal heat, Shackell was out first at the 50 at 26.93. At the 100 it was 56.11 by Shackell, just ahead of Ledecky.

Ledecky took the lead with a 29.5 third 50. She hung on to win the heat as Claire Weinstein was charging hard.

Ledecky finished in 1:55.25. Weinstein was at 1:55.86 and Erin Gemmell was 1:56.53.

Ledecky won the 400 freestyle on Day 1 to earn a spot at her fourth Olympic Games, ahead of Paige Madden, who will join her in Paris.

Both are trying to make a second event in tomorrow’s 200 free final.

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