INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — University of Texas rising senior David Johnston punched his ticket to the Paris Olympics with a runner-up performance in the final of the 1500-meter freestyle on Sunday night at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
The top finisher in the individual swimming events at the U.S. Olympic Trials earns an automatic spot on the official Team USA roster, while the runner-up is considered a near lock to make the team as well. USA Swimming confirmed Johnston earned a place on Team USA following Sunday’s final.
Bobby Finke won Sunday’s 1500 final with a mark of 14:40.28. Johnston recorded a personal-best time by almost 10 seconds of 14:52.74 to edge Luke Whitlock in third at 14:53.00.
The men’s 1500-meter freestyle final marked the final event of the nine-day U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming in Indianapolis. The University of Texas men’s swimming program will be represented by five current or former athletes on Team USA, including: Carson Foster (200 IM, 400 IM), Luke Hobson (200 free, 4×200 free relay), David Johnston (1500 free), Drew Kibler (4×200 free relay) and Aaron Shackell (400 free).
Evening Session Ressults
1500 free final
2.David Johnston 14:52.74
