Get your popcorns and your favorite jerseys out as Paris comes knocking. But at the cusp of it still lies the Olympic Trials. Everyone is waiting to know who to root for on the grand stage. Swimming legend Rowdy Gaines has also joined in on the conversation. The three-time Olympic gold medalist bid adieu to his competitive days a long time ago. But as he approaches his 8th game as a tv analyst, he lets us in on what the Olympic Trials look like this time around. 

While we eagerly wait for the Trials’ outcome, we shift our focus to two athletes who have the entire world watching. Most seem to believe that Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel would float their way into the U.S. national team. What did Rowdy say about the Olympic Trials? And do Katie and Caeleb have what it takes to represent the US at the French capital?

Rowdy Gaines gives his two cents on the Olympic springboard event

Rowdy Gaines has lent his iconic voice and remarkable insights for several games now. As we gear up for the Olympics, NBC Olympics and Paralympics posted a video on their social media, ““If you make it, you’re definitely crying.” The 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Special premieres today at 2 p.m. on NBC and Peacock,” sharing a glimpse of what to expect. 

In the video, Ahmed Fareed asks Gaines and Ato Boldon what they expect from the athletes leading up to the Olympics. Gaines chimes in, “We were just talking about this before we came up to the camera and we said, what about the trials? How intense is it?” Boldon and Gaines share a look before he continues, “It is the most intense meet I’ve ever been to, Ahmed, by far. Much more so than the Olympic Games because it’s so hard in our country, and I’m assuming it’s the same to make the team.” Boldon nods in agreement, affirming Gaines’ statement. 

Reminiscing about how things were during his time, Gaines adds “The guy that got third place in my Olympics in 1984 in the 100 freestyle would have won the bronze medal at those Olympics. That’s how good our country is.” Things weren’t any different for the women either, he continues, “The woman that finishes sixth or seventh in the 200 backstroke in our trials, would win a medal in the Olympics. That’s how good our country is in swimming.” It just goes to show how exceptional these trials will be. 

Gains drives his point home with his final statement, “So you’re going to see a lot of drama, those peaks and valleys of emotions that will come out at the Olympics trials. That is just really must-see TV.” All that’s left for us is to see how Katie and Caeleb fare at the trials and judging by their current trajectory, they seem to be going onwards and upwards.

Will Ledecky and Dressel head over to Paris?

While we anticipate who will represent the US at the Olympics, two key athletes come to mind. Katie Ledecky is a swimming legend in her own league. But many forget that we first witnessed the seven-times Olympic gold medalist at just 15. Now, more than a decade later, Ledecky is still at the top of her game and it doesn’t look like she will slow down. But she has more than just her physical ability on her side. 

Ledecky has previously spoken about the mental challenges of being good at what you do. Her fans can’t wait to see what she brings to the table at the trials. Caeleb Dressel might not have been around for as long as Ledecky has, but he has proven that he has what it takes. The seven-times Olympic gold medalist had his start at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and walked away with two gold medals. Despite having racked up several accolades, Dressel almost stepped away from competitive swimming. 

But he is back stronger than ever, looking to win his eighth gold medal in Paris. Dressel has showcased this in his recent competitions with his stellar performance, further solidifying his chances of making it to the U.S. national team. Juggling fatherhood and the Olympics is a new lease of life for the champ, and he’s all here for it. At the TYR PRO Event, he quipped that –“I have been tracking very well this whole season. I have been really excited about where I am at, some of the fastest times I have gone, so yeah, I hope to carry the momentum up until the end.”

Rowdy Gaines has established that these Olympic trials will be like no other we’ve ever witnessed. We can expect a thrilling show and a dramatic outcome. With Ledecky and Dressel preparing to take on yet another challenge, fans are eager to see if the French capital will be the next destination in their journey. Will you be watching?