Team USA Off to a Strong Start
Team USA continued to prove themselves in the first day of finals for the 2020 Olympics. The US has won six medals in swim, however, there has only been one gold.
The gold medalist favorite in the men’s 400-meter Individual Medley, Daiya Seto. Seto won bronze the bronze medal in 2016 and was attempting to give Japan it’s second gold medal in the event. He finished ninth in the prelims.
First Medals for Team USA Won in the Pool
Going into the finals, 2016 Rio silver medalist Chase Kalisz looked to have a good race. He did. Kalisz won the event which was also the first gold medal of the 2020 Olympic games for Team USA. Behind Kalisz was teammate Jay Litherland winning gold and Australia’s Brendon Smith winning bronze.
“This is the last thing that I really wanted to accomplish in my swimming career. It was something that was a dream of mine since as long as I could remember,” Kalisz said.
The Americans won four more medals later in the evening, the 400 IM win was the only gold of the day for the Americans.
Members of the Women’s 4×100-meter freestlye relay Simone Manue, Abbey Weitzel, Natalie Hinds and Erika Brown won bronze behind Canada and Australia.
For the Women’s 400 Individual Medley, Emma Weyant and Hali Flickinger took silver and bronze for Team US.
History Made for Tunisia
Tunisian swimmer Ahmend Hafnaoui shocked the world as pulling ahead in Lane 8 in the 400-meter freestyle. to come and win the event in 3:43.36. This gave Tunisia its first gold medal in the event. American Kieran Smith came in third to swim the bronze for the US.
Upcoming Events to Watch For
In Day 3 of the Olympics, Katie Ledecky jumped to be a favorite yet again in the 400 meter-freestyle. Ledecky will swim in the 400-meter free finals later today, and hopefully continue her reign as distance Olympic Champion. The Women’s 100-meter Butterfly will also be swimming later today, the US has one swimmer, Torri Huske aiming for gold in this event. Michael Andrews is seeded second in the Men’s 100-meter breaststroke. The Men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay is also scheduled to swim later today as well, and a hopeful win for the US. The US has held the World Record in this event since 2008.
There are several semi-finals and qualifying heats being swam as well. The US has several opportunities to swim and win more medals, and hopefully golds for the US.
Stay tune for updates of Team USA in the pool!