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Because of Covid-19, we’re in for some big changes at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials coming up in June.
Instead of all swimmers who qualified competing during the same week, the format of the typical trial, this year the trials will take place over a two-week span.
Wave 1 will occur from June 4th through the 7th and will include all swimmers who made the qualifying times for this event.
The following week, from June 13th through June 20th, the Wave 2 event will take place. Wave 2 will include all swimmers who made the faster qualifying times.
The top 2 finishers in the Wave 1 events will be allowed to compete in the Wave 2 event.
So it’s going to be different. Just like life in so many ways has been altered since the pandemic swirled across the world.
Some have said it’s going to be tough on the Wave 1 swimmers because they won’t get to enjoy the experience – a lifelong dream – to swim at the U.S. trials at the same meet as our nation’s biggest swimming starts.
Normally they would be at that same meet. But not this year. Fewer swimmers in the same facility reduce the chances of spreading the coronavirus.
My heart aches a bit for those who won’t get to enjoy that experience. It’s not ideal and not exactly what everybody wants.
But I would say this about this whole situation: I’m just glad that the trials are going to happen It’s exciting that we’ve moved beyond all that happened last year including the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games until this year.
I’m appreciative that we’re going to see America’s greatest swimmers – yes including every one of them in Wave 1 and Wave 2 – show us how fast they swim and how dedicated they’ve been throughout their lives to improving at their crafts, the art of swimming.
All I feel is appreciation that this event is going to take place. When you consider where we were a year ago – a dark moment in the history of the world – it’s a great fortune that we’re going to watch these swimming events again at all.
When you think about the bigger picture and realize that this pandemic could have prevented these trials from even happening this year, let’s celebrate what’s in store for us here.
Coming down our lanes are brilliant, inspiring swimming performances day and night for two straight weeks – just before our summers begin. What a way to kick off a warm season.
Let’s treasure these trials. We’re so fortunate to have them back.
I believe we’ll appreciate them more than we ever have because of all that’s happened in the past year and because of how inspiring these U.S. swimmers having endured tough conditions this past year.
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Sammy Sportface, a sports blogger, galvanizes, inspires, and amuses The Baby Boomer Brotherhood. And you can learn about his vision and join this group's Facebook page here:
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