Nine swimmers with BYU ties to compete in 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials

PROVO, Utah–Seven current BYU swimmers, one former swimmer and one incoming freshman have all qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials taking place in Omaha, Nebraska, from June 26-July 3.

Jake Taylor and Preston Jenkins both qualified in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke event, with Jenkins earning both of his spots at the American Short Course Championship earlier this month. At those championships, Stephen Richards also met the qualifying time in the 100 breaststroke. Payton Sorenson made the cut to swim in the trials in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events.

Standout freshmen Ellie Thornbrue and Connor Stirling have already earned trial trips in the 100 fly and 50 free, respectively. Incoming freshman Mariah Lindsay, sister of current swimmer Cameron Lindsay, earned her qualifying time in the 200 breaststroke last weekend at the Senior Sectional Championship in Federal Way, Washington.

Hayden Palmer, a former Cougar swimmer, made the qualifying cut in the 400 individual medley, and long-distance swimmer Dallin Johnson will have a chance to earn a spot on the national team at the 2016 U.S. Open Water Nationals on April 8-10 in Miromar Lakes, Florida.

Former BYU athlete Rafael Alfaro has also already earned his spot on the Olympic team for his country of El Salvador and will be competing at the games in the 200 IM.

Swimmers have until the Olympic Team Trials entry closing to meet qualifying times for events. For more information about qualifying times, visit the USA Swimming website.