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USA Swimming announced Tuesday that its trials for the 2024 Paris Games will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, the massive home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.
The decision marks the end of Omaha’s long run as host of the event.
The last four U.S. trials, beginning in 2008, were held in the Nebraska city’s downtown arena, which seated about 14,500 after the temporary pool was installed.
USA Swimming is going for a much bigger show in Indianapolis. Local organisers have proposed a seating arrangement that would allow up to 35 000 fans — by far the largest ever for the trials.
American swimming star Ryan Murphy, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, joked about having to compete in a rival stadium of his favourite NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Murphy grew up in the Florida city and still considers it home.
“While it pains me to swim in the stadium of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ divisional rival, this will be great for the sport of swimming,” Murphy told The Associated Press.
“It’s important to expose the sport of swimming to general public at all levels, especially during an Olympic year.”
Murphy has competed in the International Swimming League and also worked with the Goldfish Swim Club to expose more kids to the sport. — Associated Press.
Bongani Ndlovu