Team USA Aims for Swimming Gold in Paris

The 2024 Paris Olympics is witnessing potential historic changes in swimming, particularly for Team USA, as Caeleb Dressel's recent failure to qualify for the 100m butterfly final threatens the U.S. men's gold streak since 1904, excluding the 1980 boycott. Dressel, a gold medalist in Tokyo, expressed disappointment over his performance, while Bobby Finke remains the only swimmer capable of preserving the U.S. streak in the upcoming 1,500m freestyle final. In contrast, American female swimmers, including Katie Ledecky, continue to excel, with Ledecky winning gold in the women's 1,500m freestyle, marking her fourth Olympic victory in the event. Additionally, Olympic comparisons showcased the advancements in swimming speed over the decades, highlighting the differences between the 1932 and 2020 Games. Amidst the competitive atmosphere, Team USA swimmers have shared their superstitions and routines that they believe contribute to their performance. Overall, while the Games are filled with triumphs, they also reveal the evolving dynamics of Olympic swimming and the pressures faced by athletes.