2025 U.S. Nationals Day 1: Live Recap of Thrilling Distance Events!

The 2025 U.S. National Championships are underway in Indianapolis. These championships serve as trials for the World Championships and promise exciting races. Today’s schedule features the women’s 800 free and men’s 1500 free in their early heats, showcasing some talented swimmers.

If you’re waiting to see stars like Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke, you’ll have to hang tight for the finals. The top eight swimmers in each event will compete for spots on Team USA.

Since these are timed finals, all heats will be ranked together. This means it’s possible, though unlikely, for someone from an earlier heat to qualify for the finals with a strong time.

Women’s 800 Freestyle — Timed Finals

(Provisional) Top 8:

1. Katie Grimes (CAV) – 8:34.15
2. Katie McCarthy – 8:34.35
3. Maya Geringer (CAL) – 8:35.97
4. Cavan Gormsen (LIAC) – 8:36.63
5. Kennedi Dobson (EEX) – 8:40.84
6. Alex Siegel (LIAC) – 8:41.69
7. Chloe Kim (SCAR) – 8:42.31
8. Caroline Pennington (TAC) – 8:43.83

The first heat of the women’s 800 featured Texas commit Sydney Schoeck, who won in 8:44.67. This was her first swim in long course, marking a new personal best.

In the second heat, Alex Siegel took the lead with an impressive 8:41.69, improving her previous best significantly. Chloe Kim also impressed, finishing her heat with a strong time of 8:42.31, just shy of Siegel’s mark.

The final heat showcased Katie Grimes, who put in a solid performance with a time of 8:34.15. This was a new season’s best for her. She has a personal best of 8:17.05, which she recorded during the Tokyo Olympics. Katie McCarthy also gave a strong showing, finishing just after Grimes.

Men’s 1500 Freestyle — Timed Finals

(Provisional) Top 8:

1. Lance Norris (WOLF) – 15:11.46
2. Gabriel Manteufel (SAND) – 15:15.08
3. Alec Enyeart (TST) – 15:18.97
4. Ellis Crisci (TST) – 15:20.93
5. Joey Tepper (UOFM) – 15:23.75
6. Mason Edmund (OSU) – 15:27.93
7. Sean Atkinson (ND) – 15:30.86
8. Luke Brennan (UOFM) – 15:33.89

Chase Maier won the first heat of the men’s 1500 with a surprising time of 15:42.62, improving over 35 seconds from his previous best. In the second heat, Joey Tepper made a mark with a solid 15:23.75, setting a career best and securing his spot for the World Championships in Singapore.

The last heat was led by Lance Norris, who finished in 15:11.46, dropping six and a half seconds from his previous best. Gabriel Manteufel and Alec Enyeart also swam well, showing strong potential for future competitions.

Swimming is more than just a sport; it’s a journey of personal growth for many athletes. Recent research indicates that athletes often find their sport helps them develop skills like discipline and resilience, which can benefit them in all areas of life. As we watch these championships unfold, it’s great to remember the dedication behind every swim.