"USA Swimming," in partnership with the "Omaha Sports Commission" and the "United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee," announces a revised plan and schedule for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Omaha.
The competition will be divided into two parts, with "Wave I" June 4th-7th, 2021 and "Wave II" June 13th-20th, 2021.
"Wave II" will continue to serve as the sole qualifier for pool swimmers on the U.S. Olympic Team for the "Olympic Games Tokyo 2020."
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, "USA Swimming" said they developed a revised plan to conduct the trials in a safer and healthier environment for the competitors and everyone involved.
As of late last week, 1,305 athletes had qualified for the Olympic Trials since the qualifying window opened over two years ago.
The governing body said the need to address concerns related to over-crowding in the athlete areas, warm-up pool and athlete seating areas, factored into the decision to divide the event into two.
“We undertook a thorough and methodical evaluation of the Trials over the last several months and factored in several critical considerations in our decision,” USA Swimming Chief Operating Officer Mike Unger said. “Our number one priority was to find a way to host Trials in the safest possible environment while also giving the athletes the best opportunity to succeed. While selecting the Olympic Team for Tokyo is a critical goal for the Trials, it is important to note that the experience gained at Trials by some of the lower seeded athletes has historically provided a great experience for future Olympic Trials and Games, which fueled our desire to host two events.”
Josh Todd, President/Executive Director of the "Omaha Sports Commission" added: "The Omaha Sports Commission is excited with the new, dual event plan for Trials, which provides us with the opportunity to stage not one, but two marquee events in the city of Omaha. We are working closely with the "CHI Health Center" team and are committed to delivering a safe and memorable experience for every athlete coming to Omaha to chase their dreams and to compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team."
The event organizing committee is working with team physicians, along with the Douglas County Health Department, "CHI Health," which is providing medical services for the trials, and the USOPC in the development of health and safety protocols.
The organizers will also ensure that anti-COVID measures are enforced and widely available throughout the venue.
Further information regarding spectator access and tickets will be released as soon as possible.
More information can be found at: www.usaswimming.org/trials.
(Picture from Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority))