INDIANAPOLIS — In its first five days of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials, Lucas Oil Stadium has seen several new records in the pool.
Records can change quickly. Athletes come and go.
Rowdy Gaines, however, is an institution in USA Swimming with decades of experience. The three-time Olympic gold medalist set close to a dozen world records in his day.
"Being part of USA Swimming has been a real gift," said Gaines.
Ironically enough, Indianapolis plays a major part in Gaines' swimming story. He says he qualified for his Olympic team inside the Indiana University Natatorium in Indy.
"That was 40 years ago," said Gaines, "and I think I swam in front of like 20 people."
Now, thousands of people fill Lucas Oil Stadium for all nine days of the 2024 Team Trials.
"It's something the city has wrapped their arms around," said Gaines, "and really welcomed the sport for some many years, obviously 40 years, but now we're taking it to a completely different level."
For a city that celebrates top-tier athletes, fast racing, and competition, Gaines said there is nothing bigger than the Olympics.
"The Olympics is every four years," said Gaines. "Can you imagine the Indy 500 being every four years? There's no way that would ever happen. That's why the Olympics is so big, and the world will be watching in Paris for sure."
This summer's Paris Games will be Rowdy's ninth Olympics in the broadcast booth for NBC.
"It's unbelievable," said Gaines. "Most importantly, everything goes through Indy."
The Opening Ceremony for Paris 2024 is Friday, July 26. Watch it live on Channel 13.