INDIANAPOLIS — Matt King was oh so close, but he came up just short of qualifying for the Olympics in men’s swimming as an individual.
The Glacier Peak High School graduate came a hair’s width away from earning a berth on the U.S. Olympic team in the 50-meter freestyle during Friday night’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials. But King was out-touched by Chris Guiliano, as his time of 21.70 seconds was one one-hundredth of a second behind, meaning King had to settle for third. The top two finishers, Caeleb Dressel (21.41) and Guiliano, earned the Olympic berths.
King’s Olympic hopes aren’t over yet, however. King also swam in Wednesday’s 100 freestyle final, placing sixth in a time of 47.94 seconds — Guiliano won with a time of 47.38 and Jack Alexy was second in 47.47. By finishing in the top six King put himself into consideration for a spot on the 400 freestyle relay team.
Whether King makes the Olympic team as a relay member will be determined once all the finals are completed. The meet concludes Sunday.
King has experience representing the U.S. in the 400 freestyle relay, winning bronze at each of the past two World Aquatics Championships. Last July he was chosen to anchor the U.S. team at worlds.
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games take place July 26-Aug. 11 in Paris.
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