T.C. Smith Qualifies for U.S. Open Water National Team
April 22, 2021 | Swimming & Diving
T.C. Smith earned bronze in the 10K at the Open Water National Championships.
FORT MYERS, Fla. - On April 16, T.C. Smith qualified for the U.S. Open Water National Team after placing third in the 10K at the USA Swimming Open Water National Championships in Fort Myers, Fla.Â
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The meet served as qualification for the open water national team, as the Olympic roster has already been selected from the 2019 World Championships.Â
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Smith earned bronze out of the 21-swimmer field with a final time of 2:06.25, just ahead of Joseph Tepper (2:06.29). The event was won by David Heron in 2:05.24, followed closely by runner-up Brennan Gravley (2:05.25).
"This year's meet was challenging due to conditions, but what suited him well in this particular race was his strategy," said assistant coach Kameron Chastain. "He challenged the lead pack the entire way throughout, but specifically the first 5K where there is a lot of separation with the field. Having done that, he had put himself in a great spot over the last half of the race."
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Smith also competed in the 5K, finishing ninth in 1:02:44.
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The senior from Bradenton, Fla. has been an integral part of the Cardinals' distance group the past four years, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 500 freestyle and mile this past season. In 2018, Smith became the first Louisville freshman to ever break the 15-minute mark in the mile with a time of 14:55.33.
"As a staff, we are very happy for T.C.! We are super proud of the way he's battled through a challenging year, and this is an accomplishment he is well deserving of," continued Chastain. "He has been riding momentum through the end of the NCAA season, and it's been fun to watch him compete at a high level and now earn a spot on the USA Swimming National Team."
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The meet served as qualification for the open water national team, as the Olympic roster has already been selected from the 2019 World Championships.Â
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Smith earned bronze out of the 21-swimmer field with a final time of 2:06.25, just ahead of Joseph Tepper (2:06.29). The event was won by David Heron in 2:05.24, followed closely by runner-up Brennan Gravley (2:05.25).
"This year's meet was challenging due to conditions, but what suited him well in this particular race was his strategy," said assistant coach Kameron Chastain. "He challenged the lead pack the entire way throughout, but specifically the first 5K where there is a lot of separation with the field. Having done that, he had put himself in a great spot over the last half of the race."
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Smith also competed in the 5K, finishing ninth in 1:02:44.
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The senior from Bradenton, Fla. has been an integral part of the Cardinals' distance group the past four years, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 500 freestyle and mile this past season. In 2018, Smith became the first Louisville freshman to ever break the 15-minute mark in the mile with a time of 14:55.33.
"As a staff, we are very happy for T.C.! We are super proud of the way he's battled through a challenging year, and this is an accomplishment he is well deserving of," continued Chastain. "He has been riding momentum through the end of the NCAA season, and it's been fun to watch him compete at a high level and now earn a spot on the USA Swimming National Team."
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