KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville is hosting the TYR Pro Swim Series at the Allan Jones Aquatic Center, located on the University of Tennessee campus. The series could be a stepping-stone for some swimmers who have their eyes set on the Olympics.
The series is three long course competitions, which could lead swimmers to the U.S. Olympic trials.
Olympian Paige Madden competed in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics and took home a silver medal. She is hoping for another shot at bringing home a piece of hardware, and she is one step closer.
“Got my trials cut a while back. So looking forward to that," she said.
Matt Kredich is the head coach of the swimming and diving team at the University of Tennessee.
He said three UT swimmers are currently qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics and will be competing on their respective country’s teams. The USA’s team will be chosen in June. He says a number of Americans are qualified for the trials.
“Some of them have a goal of going there and moving up in the rankings. Others are locked in on making a team,” says Kredich.
Coach Kredich said competing is more than just focusing on the outcome. He said it’s important for these athletes to also focus on the process.
“Nail down processes to create high-level performance, but also enjoy that process and competitions. Enjoy the butterflies and nervousness enjoy going through that with your team," he said.