How the 2024 Paris Olympics ignited a swimming surge: The impact on Carmel and its future stars
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As the director of business development at Carmel Swim Club (CSC), I’ve observed a remarkable rise in interest in competitive swimming, largely driven by the excitement surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics and the amazing Olympic Swim Trials hosted in Indianapolis. Our team, which draws swimmers from 23 zip codes, has become a beacon of excellence not only, in Carmel but also in our surrounding communities, bringing together kids with a love for the sport.
This year, three of our athletes—Alex Shackell, Aaron Shackell, and Drew Kibler—represented the U.S. at the Olympics, with all three swimmers competing in an Olympic final. The presence of CSC Head Coach and CEO Chris Plumb as a Team USA assistant swim coach further underscored our commitment to the sport. Alex winning gold and silver medals and Drew earning a silver didn’t hurt either!
Jake Grosser, the senior director of marketing and communications for USA Swimming, said that swimming “becomes the most popular sport in America” for nine days every four years. But at Carmel Swim Club we live and breathe this sport every day, every week, and every year. We are thrilled when kids get inspired to swim, whether their goal is to compete on a big stage like the Olympics or perfect their favorite stroke and race against friends at local meets.
One of the most touching moments of this Olympic season was seeing the city of Carmel come together in support of its athletes. This summer, Carmel was affectionately known as “SwimCity, USA,” a testament to the community’s deep pride and enthusiasm for all of our swimmers. This collective spirit not only celebrated our athletes’ achievements but also amplified interest in swimming across the region.
On a personal note, as a mom, I witnessed firsthand the impact of this Olympic fervor. After watching the U.S. swimming trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in June, my 9-year-old son, Leo, was so inspired by the athletes that he eagerly decided to join Carmel Swim Club – after several unsuccessful nudges from me. It took experiencing the thrill and energy of the Olympic Trials to get him interested and excited about a sport I have spent my whole life loving. The visible excitement and success of our swimmers resonated deeply, influencing young athletes and their families to embrace the sport and become part of a passionate swimming community.
The Olympics have a unique ability to elevate the sport and inspire future generations. The increased interest is evident in the record number of sign-ups at Carmel Swim Club, including an unprecedented turnout at our July 22 evaluation, where new swimmers tried out to join the team. Whether cheering on our 14 team members at the Olympic Trials, or encouraging kindergarteners at their very first meet, Carmel Swim Club is committed to offering inclusive opportunities, nurturing beginners to those striving for national recognition.
The Olympics may be over, but I, for one, cannot wait to see the ripple effect in pools across our community.
Maggie is the director of business development for Carmel Swim Club and its non-competitive arm, Carmel Swim Academy.