Chris Guiliano wants to join a legend in elite company

US Olympic Qualifier: Chris Guiliano wants to join a legend in the elite

As the US Olympic trials approached, Chris Guiliano was considered one of the most promising candidates for a ticket to the Olympic Games in Paris. But Guiliano has far exceeded all expectations in Indianapolis – and is now on the verge of making history and placing himself alongside the name of a legend.

The Notre Dame star’s opening performance at Lucas Oil Stadium was a second-place finish in the 200-meter freestyle on the third night of competition. That performance secured Guiliano an individual berth at the Olympics and secured his place on the American 800-meter freestyle relay team that will compete for gold against Great Britain, among others.

Two days later, the 20-year-old defeated a strong field in the final of the 100-meter freestyle, when his time of 47.25 helped Guiliano win over his sprint rivals Jack Alex And Caeleb DresselThat performance also ensured that Guiliano will lead Team USA in the 400-meter freestyle relay, which the Americans have won in three of the last four Games.

More work may be on the way.

On Thursday night, Guiliano posted the fastest time in the 50-meter freestyle semifinals and set a best time of 21.59 for the final. If Guiliano finishes in the top two in the sprint, he will be the second American in Olympic history to qualify for the 50-100-200-meter triple. Only the legendary Matt Biondi achieved this feat at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul.

“In 2021, I swam in Wave I, so this is my first time,” Guiliano said of competing with the country’s top athletes. “It was a lot of fun… My confidence is limitless. Next month we have to continue.”

The 1988 Games saw the first introduction of the 50-meter freestyle to the Olympic program, and Biondi took advantage. Although the California star was best known as a pure sprinter, he had the stamina – and the courage – to swim the 200-meter freestyle as well. In Seoul, Biondi took gold in the 50- and 100-meter events, as well as a bronze medal in the 200-meter freestyle. He also won the silver medal in the 100-meter butterfly and led three U.S. relay teams to gold.

Whether Guiliano can keep up with Biondi’s schedule will be seen on Friday night, but the fact that he’s being mentioned in the same breath as a Hall of Famer is a testament to the excellence he showed this week. More than that, the fact that 36 years have passed without anyone joining Biondi is a testament to how difficult the task is.

Specialization is the norm in freestyle racing, with athletes focusing primarily on combinations of two disciplines: 50-100; 100-200; 200-400; 800-1500. Of course, there are exceptions, and it’s not uncommon to see triple wins in mid-season competitions. But Guiliano is aiming to accomplish that feat in the most demanding Olympic qualifying events in the world.

A legend could get company.