Before the TYR Pro Series 2024, Ryan Murphy made a phenomenal journey in the pools of Fukuoka to bring a gold medal in men’s swimming discipline in the USA’s color. Subsequently, he received his due in the USA Swimming Golden Goggle Awards 2023 by bagging the Male Athlete of the Year award. It was the second Golden Goggle Award for the 28-year-old swimmer. The first time he won the award in 2018, the swimmer usurped the Hangzhou World Swimming Championship with three individual medals. However, his fans were waiting to see Murphy in that form only in the Olympic year. 

However, that expectation faced an impasse with the latest announcement from the 4x Olympic medalist. The TYR Pro Swim Series 2024 could only become a heartbroken entity. 

Ryan Murphy to focus on rejuvenation 

The message appeared on Ryan Murphy’s X account, with a grieving tone for the communities. It read, “I scratched the Knoxville Open this week due to a bout with sickness. I’m taking my coach’s advice and focusing on rest and recovery. Thank you all for your support always!”. Soon after the sad note popped up, Murphy’s fans hovered in the comment box to show their disbelief. However, another American pro swimmer, Nic Fink, couldn’t believe the post, only to retort back with a question. Murphy was in awe of the moment as the swimmer never believed his untimely pulling out of the coveted contention. 

Reportedly, the 2023 Fukuoka medalist entered the Knoxville event with top seed notation in the 100 and 200 back. Moreover, to solidify his Olympic berth, Ryan Murphy also opted for the 100m free category. However, in his absence, Hunter Armstrong might be more assured of title-winning in the 100m back. On the other hand, in 200m back, Shaine Casas might have a sigh of relief. With Murphy’s withdrawal, the ultimate question of contention pressure flexed. However, he is not the first to add to the list.

More disappearances from the list of TYR Pro Series 2024

In the early week, American swimming prodigy Regan Smith also withdrew her name from the contention list in TYR Pro Series 2024. The 2023 World Swimming Championship medalist registered her name in the 100 free, 200 free, 100 back, and 200 IM. But in her absence, the swimming will miss the prized fight between Smith and Katie Ledecky in shorter free events. However, in an interview with The Athletic last month, Regan Smith, “It’s been really hard to stay positive when I’m not able to be at my best, knowing that Paris is only seven months away. It’s honestly an ongoing battle.” 

Read more: 5 Big US Swimming Stars to Watch Out for at TYR Pro Series 2024

Reportedly, it was mononucleosis that kept her away from the pools just days after Smith’s blitzkrieg in the US Open Swimming Championship 2023. So, with the pressure raging on, the swimmers are facing the pressure to take the fight to their chin just before the Olympics. 

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