The swimming competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics is set to feature an exhilarating showcase of elite athletes, intense rivalries, and captivating drama. Taking place at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, the swimming events will feature 852 competitors across 35 disciplines over nine days, concluding on August 4. The schedule includes daily morning sessions for preliminary heats starting at 5 a.m. ET, followed by evening sessions at 2:30 p.m. ET for semifinals and medal races. The open water 10-kilometer races will be held on August 8 for women and August 9 for men in the Seine River.
Katie Ledecky’s fourth Olympic appearance
Among the standout athletes is Katie Ledecky, who is making her fourth Olympic appearance. The 27-year-old American swimmer is a dominant force in the freestyle events, having already amassed 10 Olympic medals, including seven golds. In Paris, Ledecky will compete in the 400-meter, 800-meter, and 1,500-meter freestyle events, as well as the 4×200-meter freestyle relay. With a potential additional gold medal, Ledecky could tie Jenny Thompson’s record for the most gold medals by a woman in swimming, and with three more medals, she could become the most decorated female Olympian in any sport.
The 400-meter freestyle race is anticipated to be a highlight, featuring a competitive field with several swimmers who have cracked the four-minute mark. Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, the reigning gold medalist and world record holder, will compete against Canada’s Summer McIntosh, a four-time world champion at just 17, and New Zealand’s Erika Fairweather, who earned bronze in Tokyo. This event could see new world records and fierce competition among these top athletes.
Ledecky’s rivalry with Titmus is just one aspect of the broader competitive tension between the United States and Australia. The rivalry has been fueled by Australian swimmer Cate Campbell’s comments following the 2023 World Championships, where she expressed satisfaction in beating American swimmers and criticized the U.S. team’s use of a cowbell. The comments gained attention and were used as motivation by American swimmers, including Michael Phelps, who expressed that such remarks would have inspired him during his career.
Other swimmers to attend
American swimmers to watch include Caeleb Dressel, who is making a comeback after a hiatus and will compete in the 50m freestyle, 100m butterfly, and relay events; Simone Manuel, returning from overtraining syndrome to compete in the 50m freestyle and relay; and Bobby Finke, the reigning gold medalist in the 800m and 1,500m freestyle. Regan Smith, who broke the 100m backstroke world record at trials, and Ryan Murphy, seeking to regain his gold medal status, are also prominent contenders.
In addition, emerging talents like Kate Douglass and Carson Foster, as well as veterans like Gretchen Walsh and Chris Guiliano, will add to the excitement. Young swimmers such as Katie Grimes and Thomas Heilman, competing in both pool and open water events, will also be making their mark.
French swimmer Leon Marchand, a local hero and reigning world champion, will be a key figure in the competition. At just 22, Marchand has already broken Michael Phelps’ record in the 400m individual medley and will compete in four individual events, including the 200m breaststroke and 200m butterfly. His performance will be closely watched, as he aims to become the first French swimmer to win multiple individual gold medals.
