Sat Dec 07 01:10:00 UTC 2024: ## U.S. Open Swimming Championships Begin in Greensboro
**Greensboro, NC (December 4, 2024)** – The 2024 U.S. Open swimming championships kicked off today in Greensboro, NC, featuring a busy schedule of events in a 25-yard short course format. The meet, which runs through December 7th, is the first of three major swimming competitions in a packed December schedule for US swimmers, followed by the Short Course Meters World Championships and Winter Juniors Championships.
Day 1 of the competition saw timed finals for the 200 medley and 800 freestyle relays, showcasing a field of primarily collegiate and post-collegiate swimmers. The absence of several top American stars, likely competing elsewhere, has opened opportunities for lesser-known athletes to shine. Bradley Dunham, the newly crowned 500 freestyle champion, enters as the top seed in the men’s 200 free and 100 backstroke events. Brady Samuels, winner of the 50-meter freestyle, also highlighted the opening day. Five finalists scratched from the competition, all current college swimmers.
The meet’s schedule mirrors that of typical college championships, running four days. Live finals coverage is available on Peacock, while highlights will be shown on CNBC and NBC. The USA Swimming Network also provides live streaming of all sessions. The unconventional timing of the meet, immediately following Thanksgiving, has drawn criticism, with some suggesting a pre-Thanksgiving date would improve participation.
The U.S. Open serves as a crucial stepping stone for many aspiring swimmers, offering valuable competition experience in a high-profile setting.
First Piper 