Splashbacks 2023 – The Most-Read Stories From November/December; Gabby Rose Defies Age On Way to Olympic Trials
Traditionally, Swimming World caps each year by revisiting some of its most-read stories from the previous months. This Splashback package is broken into six parts, with each segment looking at the top topics of a two-month span. Our Splashbacks will run through the last day of 2023, and lead us into the unquestionable excitement to come in 2024 – an Olympic year.
Let’s look at the most-read stories of 2023 from November and December.
1. Gabby Rose Qualifies for Olympic Trials in 100 Breaststroke at Age 46 (Race Video)
Proving that age does not have to slow you down, Olympian Gabby Rose qualified for the 2024 United States Olympic Trials in the 100-meter breaststroke. Rose secured her qualification after posting a time of 1:09.82.
2. World Anti-Doping Agency Releases 2024 Banned Substance List: Tramadol Now Banned In-Competition
In mid-November, WADA revealed which substances will appear on its banned list for the 2024 campaign. The list is annually provided to alert athletes competing at the highest level to assist them in making decisions about what enters their bodies.
In a surprise announcement, four of the premier swimming nations in the world revealed they were resigning from the World Swimming Coaches Association. In announcing the decision, the Big Four stated their priorities did not align with those of the WSCA.
In search of an Olympic berth to the 2024 Games in Paris, Aussie Cody Simpson put together an impressive performance at the Queensland Championships. The pop star, who has returned to his first passion of swimming, will be among the contenders for an Olympic trip in the 100 butterfly.
5. University of Arizona Heading for ‘Draconian’ Budget Cuts; Sports Could Be Cut
Following a significant budget shortfall, the University of Arizona announced that major cuts in multiple areas of operation were likely in the future. How those cuts might affect the swimming and diving program will be learned in the future.