By Mariah Benson, Senior Correspondent
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — June 3, 2025 — Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky is set to headline the 2025 Toyota National Swimming Championships, commencing tonight at 7 p.m. ET at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis. The five-day event, running through June 7, serves as the primary selection meet for the U.S. team heading to the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore later this summer.
Ledecky, fresh off a record-breaking performance in the 800-meter freestyle at a recent national meet, will compete in her signature events: the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle. Her participation underscores her continued dominance in distance freestyle events and her commitment to representing the United States on the world stage.
A Stellar Field of Olympians
Joining Ledecky in Indianapolis are several other Olympic champions and medalists, including:
- Kate Douglass: A five-time Olympic medalist known for her versatility across multiple strokes.
- Torri Huske: A three-time Olympic gold medalist specializing in butterfly and freestyle sprints.
- Regan Smith: An eight-time Olympic medalist and world record holder in backstroke events.
- Gretchen Walsh: A four-time Olympic medalist who recently set a world record in the 100m butterfly.
On the men’s side, notable competitors include:
- Bobby Finke: Olympic gold medalist in distance freestyle events.
- Jack Alexy and Chris Guiliano: Emerging talents in sprint freestyle events.
These athletes represent the pinnacle of American swimming talent and are expected to deliver compelling performances throughout the meet.
Significance of the Championships
The Toyota National Championships play a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. swimming team for international competition. The top two finishers in each event, provided they meet qualifying standards, will earn spots on the national team. Additionally, up to six swimmers in the 100m and 200m freestyle events may be selected for relay squads.
This meet also serves as a platform for emerging talents to make their mark. Sixteen-year-old Rylee Erisman, who has demonstrated remarkable progress in freestyle sprints, is among the rising stars to watch.
Farewell to a Champion
The championships also mark the final competitive appearance on U.S. soil for Olympic gold medalist Lilly King. The 28-year-old breaststroke specialist has announced her retirement from competitive swimming after the 2025 season. For King, an Indiana native, competing at home adds a sentimental touch to an already momentous occasion.
Her departure signifies the end of an era in American breaststroke, as she has long been a dominant force in the discipline.
Viewing Information
Fans can catch all the action live, with nightly coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET. The Indiana University Natatorium, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and a rich history of hosting major swimming events, provides an ideal venue for this high-stakes competition.
The championships are expected to draw thousands of fans, both in person and online, highlighting the enduring popularity of swimming in the United States. For the athletes, it’s a critical step on the road to representing Team USA on the global stage.
The event also includes community engagement opportunities such as youth clinics, autograph sessions, and meet-and-greets with Olympians, making it a holistic celebration of the sport.
As the championships kick off, all eyes will be on Katie Ledecky and her fellow Olympians. Their performances will not only determine the composition of the national team but also set the tone for America’s ambitions in the global swimming arena.
