For much of the 21st century, American men have struggled to keep hold of the 400 meter freestyle relay. Almost every time they finished on top of the podium at a major meeting, it required heroics. But heading into the 2020 Olympics, the young American sprint corps turned the United States into heavy gold medal favorites in both the 100 free and 400 free relay. Now, the real competition will come at the Olympic trials, where Olympic contenders must go through a cutthroat gauntlet of speed to earn their spots for Tokyo.

At the Olympic trials in 2020, the top six swimmers in the 100 free will earn spots at the Tokyo Olympics to compete as part of the now heavily favored American 400 free relay. And it will be fast. While in 2016, it took only 49.55 to qualify for the semifinals and 49.18 to make the finals, expect a cutoff somewhere in the 48-average range just to make the semifinals. To make the tests final, it will probably take time in the very low 48s, perhaps even under 48.

Some really good swimmers with really impressive credentials will be left out of the mix. Whoever the top eight turn out to be, it will only require beating the other two to secure a trip to Tokyo, so maybe the final ends up being slower than the semi-final, but this semi-final will be vicious. With perhaps one exception, every swimmer in the semifinals will have to give 100 percent just to earn a shot in the race for Olympic qualification.

Coaching

Training

JUNIOR SWIMMER

Columns

008 Voice FOR SPORTS

009 BEYOND THE YARDS

018 DID YOU KNOW? MARTHA NORELIUS

019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

044 PREP SCHOOL DIRECTORY

055 GUTTERTALK

056 FORGIVING SHOT

Robert Kannegieser… I never thought I’d want to see a sub 47 … and there might be three, maybe 4 … It will be a fun one to watch!!