The U.S. Olympic swimming trials are halfway done, but some of Team USA’s biggest stars haven’t yet qualified for individual events in the 2016 Games.
After failing to qualify in the 400-meter individual medley earlier this week in Omaha, Neb., Ryan Lochte missed out on the 200-meter individual freestyle. Lochte finished fourth in the preliminary race, which was at least good enough to qualify for the relay.
Matt Grevers, who won the gold medal in the men’s 100-meter backstroke event in London four years ago, finished third in the trials and will not have a chance to defend his title.
On the women’s side, Missy Franklin and Natalie Coughlin had their own share of bumps in the road. They finished seventh and eighth, respectively, in the 100-meter women’s backstroke preliminaries, and both failed to qualify. Franklin won the event in London as a 17-year-old.
Franklin, Coughlin, Grevers and Lochte have combined for 16 gold medals in their careers. Although they have several more opportunities to qualify for events, fans will see plenty of fresh new American faces replacing established veterans in this year’s Olympics.
Thumbnail photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
