Splashbacks 2021 – (May-June): Michael Phelps Weighs In on Michael Andrew; Ryan Lochte Era Ends

Splashbacks 2021 (May-June)

Splashbacks 2021 – (May-June): Michael Phelps Weighs In on Michael Andrew; Ryan Lochte Era Ends

Following a one-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Olympic fever picked up during May and June, especially with the United States Olympic Trials taking place in June in Omaha. Split over two waves, the Trials selected the squad which represented the United States at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Not surprising, most of Swimming World’s leading stories for May and June centered on an Olympic theme.

As we continue to look back at 2021, here are Swimming World’s most-read stories for May and June.

1. Michael Phelps: Michael Andrew’s Freestyle Leg in 200 IM Shows Training Error

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Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

After Michael Andrew won the 200 individual medley at the Olympic Trials, despite struggling home during the freestyle, the greatest swimmer of all-time shared his thoughts on Andrew’s inability to finish the race in adequate fashion. Michael Phelps analyzed Andrew’s freestyle leg, and chalked up his struggles to a lack of training and focus on closing strongly.

2. Michael Phelps Discuss Watching Olympic Trials From the Stands As a Dad

Despite being five years removed from his competitive days, Michael Phelps again was the subject of a heavily read article. This time, Phelps spoke about what it was like to watch the Olympic Trials unfold, rather than be in the middle of the action. Prior to 2021, the last Trials without Phelps was in 1996.

3. As the Ryan Lochte Era Fades to Black, His Impact Will Continue To Be Felt

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Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Although Ryan Lochte was unable to nail down a bid to a fifth Olympic Games, the Team USA veteran made a valiant effort. More, this article focused on his contributions to the sport, specifically how he believed – while others did not – that he could rise to the challenge and push Michael Phelps for top billing in the sport.

4. USA Swimming Officially Names Olympic Team For Tokyo

On the final day of competition at the United States Olympic Trials, the full roster for Team USA was named in Omaha. The team consisted of several veterans of international competition, and an influx of newcomers who figure to pace American hopes on the road to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

5. American Men In Deep Trouble For Men’s 800 Free Relay At Olympics

Based on what took place in the 200-meter freestyle at the Olympic Trials, staff writer David Rieder wrote a column that analyzed the United States’ shortcomings in the event. The thin nature of the event for the Americans, said Rieder, suggested a difficult time awaited at the Olympic Games in the 800 freestyle relay.

6. ‘Men Between Worlds’: End of Unprecedented Era of Adrian, Ervin, Lochte, Grevers, Jones and Phelps

With Nathan Adrian, Anthony Ervin, Ryan Lochte and Matt Grevers missing out on Tokyo invitations at the United States Olympic Trials, USA Swimming witnessed the end of an era for a group of men who were consistent headliners for the Red, White and Blue. Their impact was felt not just in the pool, but through their leadership and character.

7. Swimming World’s Pre-Olympic Female Rankings: The Top 25 Ahead of Tokyo

Jul 25, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Ariarne Titmus (AUS) after the women's 400m freestyle heats during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher — USA Today Sports

Following the Olympic Trials, Swimming World adjusted its global rankings of the top athletes headed into the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This list provided an opportunity to assess the results of the U.S. Trials and Australian Trials, which produced several eye-opening performances, including a world record from Kaylee McKeown in the 100 backstroke.

8. U.S. Olympic Trials: American Women’s Freestyle Relays Looking Shaky On Road to Tokyo

This article was an analysis of the women’s 400 freestyle relay and 800 freestyle relay ahead of the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The piece took a look at the times produced by American athletes at the U.S. Trials and how they measured up against the rest of the world.

9. ‘Unbelievable’ Wave I Has USA Swimming Pondering Long-Term Change

For the first time, and due to COVID-19, the United States Olympic Trials were split into two waves. While Wave II featured the top seeds and contenders for the Olympic Games, Wave I offered an opportunity for the athletes to gain a Trials experience that would be memorable and potentially serve as motivation for the future.

10. US Olympic Trials Day One Prelims Heat Sheets: Lochte Unsurprisingly Scratches 400 IM

As the second wave of the Olympic Trials started in Omaha, this article on the first-day heat sheets grabbed the attention of the readers. Fans of the sport got the chance to scour the event lineups and see where their favorite swimmers were scheduled to compete, or if any big names had opted to scratch an event.

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