The U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials kicked off with a bang on Saturday night in Indianapolis, as Katie Ledecky and Gretchen Walsh stole the show. Ledecky secured her fourth selection to the U.S. Olympic team by winning the women’s 400m freestyle in 3:58.35, finishing well ahead of her competition. She celebrated her victory with a hug from Paige Madden, who took second place in the race.
The highlight of the night came when Gretchen Walsh set a new world record, kicking off the Trials with a bang. The excitement continued as a young swimmer from Indiana qualified for the Olympic team, making history as the first Olympian hailing from the state. The atmosphere at the pool was electric, with loud cheers and support from the enthusiastic crowd adding to the thrill of the competition.
With her win on Saturday, Ledecky is on track to become a four-time Olympian and has her sights set on breaking Jenny Thompson’s record for the most Olympic medals won by an American woman.
Madden, who finished second in the 400m freestyle, beat her personal best time from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and is now likely to earn her spot on the Olympic team for the second time.
As athletes continue to compete at the Trials,
