Why Is Katie Ledecky Not Participating in the Tyr Pro Series?

Shifting our focus from the dominant male swimmers Michael Phelps and Caeleb Dressel, we have Katie Ledecky as a force to be reckoned with. Having the most medals in her repertoire than any other female swimmer, Ledecky started making strides when she was 15. Unexpectedly, she pitched up for the 2012 Summer Olympics and achieved gold in the 800m freestyle feat. This win not only stupefied the 16-year-old but also gave a new name to the world to sing the glory of.

At the 2023 World Championships, the 16 WR breaker reached the pinnacle of her career when her 16th gold medal surpassed Michael Phelps’s. But what does her schedule look like in 2024? This being the Olympic year, why is she not participating in the TYR Pro Series?

Why will Katie Ledecky not participate in the TYR Pro Series? Know the reason for her absence

In 2018, Ledecky made her professional swimming debut at the Indianapolis TYR Pro Swim series, which was also her record-breaking event. She set a new 1500m freestyle world record, clocking in at 15:20.48. 6 years later, when it’s time for her to test the turquoise aquatics of TYR Swim Pro again, she’s absent from the roster.

Last year, around this time, she struck herself out from the Westmont leg “due to illness”. However, this time, Westmont will not see her in racing gear since she’s entered the 2024 Florida Swimming Spring Senior Championships. According to recent news, this will be the only early March event for her.

In 2023, the 26-year-old swam past in a record time of 15:01.41 to set the American Record and US Open Record in the 1650 free. That was also her personal best. But in her absence from the TYR Swim Pro, some others like Caeleb Dressel and Jack Alexy will set new benchmarks. Having said so, is any other former Gators swimmer walking in Ledecky’s steps?

Will the other college post-grad teammates follow her?

Some of the top racers who have dominated the Florida Swimming Championships are Andy Kravchenko, Lillie Nesty, and Ethan Ekk. But some of the 7x Olympic gold medalist’s fellow post-grads teammates will vie for the podiums this year. One of them is Grant Sanders, who made a mark with his 200 breaststroke and 200 IM performances.

The 23-year-old Mabel Zavaros, known for his 400 IM, 500 freestyle, and 200m backstroke, will also join Ledecky. Among the top names, only Olympian Bobby Finke will pitch up for both the TYR Swim Pro series and Florida Swimming Spring Senior Championships. Scheduled to take place on March 6-7, the two events will coincide. So, pick your pick already. Katie Ledecky or Caeleb Dressel?

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