POSTED: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 - 1:57pm
UPDATED: Monday, July 2, 2012 - 10:11am
Ryan Lochte and Peter Vanderkaay officially qualified for the Olympic swim team, winning the 400-meter individual and 400-meter freestyle respectively.
Lochte commented on taking his first race, “The first race is always the hardest one. Now I can actually take a deep breathe. I’m on the team, so the rest of the meet is about having a great time, and having fun.”
Vanderkaay was exultant in making the U.S. Olympic team, “This will be my third Olympic games, I’m three for three, so there’s nothing I have to complain about.”
Michael Phelps finished second in the 400-meter individual, and Conor Dwyer took second in the 400-meter freestyle. Both competitors are also expected to make the team according to USA swimming.
“I think the biggest thing about trials is just making the team, Phelps posited. This is a very stressful meet, and anybody in that field can win a medal or be in the finals, so you’re trying to set yourself up for a good race here that can help you move into a good race in the next couple weeks.”
The U.S. Olympic swim trials conclude July 2nd.