Today, we know them as American distance swimming’s golden girls – Katie Ledecky and Leah Smith. They currently hold the top two times in the world in the 800 and 1500 meter freestyles, plus a one-three punch in the 400. But one year ago today, these women were just getting started.
Almost anyone could have predicted that these two would make the 2016 Olympic Team in the 400 and/or 800 free. But this was the true beginning to the complete dominance Katie Ledecky and Leah Smith would execute over the next year and years to come.
The USA swim team has relied on these two for the last 12 months in the distance events, and will continue to do so later this month at the World Championships. But before the team heads to Budapest, take a look back at the day that started it all.
Swimming World is digging into the archives this week to relive these moments from the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Splashbacks from day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4,day 5 and day 6 are also available.
