19-Year-Old Aaron Shackell Qualifies for Paris Olympics in 400m Freestyle

Jun 16, 2024, 12:44 AM

Aaron Shackell, a 19-year-old swimmer, has become the first U.S. swimmer to qualify for the Paris Olympics. He secured his spot by winning the men's 400m freestyle with a time of 3:45.46 during the Swim Trials. Shackell, who follows in the footsteps of his Olympian father, expressed his lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian. Kieran Smith, a Tokyo Olympian in the same event, also qualified with a time of 3:45.76. The event was held just 40 minutes from Shackell's home. The hometown hero's achievement was broadcast on NBC and Peacock.