Preparations for the National Championships
After a successful outing at the Mare Nostrum Swim Tour, I had my final tune up at the Indianapolis Pro Swim Series before championship season starts. Three weddings, a few lake days and a full taper later, and it is now time for the National Championships in Irvine, California. Read on to hear about how I spent the lead up to my main focus meet of the season.
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What’s Happening?
Indianapolis Pro Swim Series
The final stop of the Pro Swim Series was in Indy June 17-20. I had a wedding to get to on the third day of the meet (more on that later), so I only competed in the first two days. On day 1, I raced the 200m freestyle. I shaved 0.14 off my season best from Monaco with a 1:48.49. This snuck me into the A-final 8th place, and I held that position in the evening with a 1:48.75. The following day, I competed in the 100m butterfly and 50m backstroke. In the preliminary session I placed 14th in the butterfly with a 53.18, a few tenths away from my season best, and 31st in the backstroke with a 26.38. I dropped to 16th in the evening of the 100m fly (54.17) and got myself into 28th place in the 50m back with a consistent 26.33. I would have liked to swim a 100m freestyle and a 200m butterfly again before the National Championships, but I was very happy with how I had been racing those events this season so had the utmost confidence I would be in a good place for Irvine.
Weddings galore!
Since my last update, I have attended three weddings! Congratulations to Marielle and Griffin, Ben and McKenna, and Marissa and Marco. It has filled my cup getting to celebrate each of these marriages. Spending time with the groups they have brought together has been a highlight of my summer.
Time on the lake
Over the Fourth of July weekend, Audrey and I towed the camper up north. We spent the weekend out on the lake with my extended family. Additionally, I got some time out on the Ozarks for the bachelor party of my future brother-in-law, Zach. Hands down, being out on the water is the best way to recharge and reduce stress.
The final touches of taper
With the big competition starting tomorrow, I have confidence because of all the work I put in this season. It may sound like I haven't been training as much while travelling all over the place, but I have been doing everything right to prepare myself for this week. I don't mention the early morning swim before I go to a wedding or heading for the lake straight from weights. I have found a balance where I can train and live life in harmony. Coming down in training volume and intensity throughout taper has my body feeling better than ever. I'm excited to let it rip this week!
Looking Ahead
My lineup at Nationals will be the following:
Day 1 – 200m butterfly
Day 2 – 200m freestyle
Day 3 – 100m butterfly
Day 4 – Off
Day 5 – 100m freestyle time trial
You can follow along on Peacock TV and USA Swimming Network!
Following the National Championships, I will take a break from swimming but will still be active on the pool deck. August 10-14 I will be in Chengdu, China for a clinic!
If you couldn't tell, I have a lot of weddings to attend this year. Three down... six more to go (just in 2026).
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