USA Swimming CEO ‘overwhelmed’ at setup for swim trials
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowLast week, USA Swimming unveiled the pool setup for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, and its CEO summed up his feelings in one word: overwhelmed.
“You get these artists renditions, and you talk about what something’s going to look like,” Tim Hinchey said. “And then when you walk in, it’s even greater and better. It’s really special.”
It’s the first time in history that the event is being held inside an NFL stadium, with more than 1,000 athletes from around the country converging on Indy to complete for 52 spots on Team USA.
Hinchey said on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick that moving the event to such a big venue was a risk for USA Swimming.
“But it’s a chance for us to really amplify our sport and to grow the sport of swimming,” he said. “We pride ourselves as being one of the most exciting sports in the Olympic movement. We have tremendous athletes that participate, that win medals; we win some of the most medals that every Olympic games. But we only get the attention, normally, nine days a year, twice every four years. So this is a chance for us to welcome a larger community.”
The trials, which begin Saturday and run through June 23, will feature primetime television coverage each night on USA Network, NBC and Peacock.
Hinchey said the coverage will not only shine a spotlight on the athletes, but Indianapolis as well.
“I can’t think of many trials that get that, and we get the ratings. We have the people that tune in, which is equally important,” he said. “I think Indianapolis has proven to be the center of the sports world. Credit [goes] to the Indiana Sports Corp, to [Visit Indy]…everyone that cares about bringing great events, world class events to Indianapolis. This is another chance for us to execute that.”
Hinchey also gave credit to Scott Davison, CEO of Indianapolis-based OneAmerica Financial, who was a key player in bringing the swim trials to Indy.
“Part of his vision as a former swimmer as well was, ‘We can do more,'” he said. “They save the [IU Natatorium], they put the money into the Nat, this community did, to make sure that we go there every year anyways for other major events. For them to take it to the next level, he shares his vision with me, and I’m grateful for that.”
Related: Scott Davison was a recent guest on the Off the Record podcast with IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman.
As far as the fan experience goes, Hinchey said those that attend will see the fastest, most pressure-packed swim meet in the world, even more so than the Olympics itself.
“Two people per event make [the team]. That’s it. There’s no captain’s choice. If someone’s not feeling well that day and they didn’t finish it, they don’t make it,” he said. “So most of our athletes really talk about how important trials is to prepare them for their success at the Olympics, and they’re almost relieved by the time they get the Olympics.”
For more coverage of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, click here.