Oakland University students want to shine at the Olympic swimming trials in Indianapolis

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI. – Local 4 was sent a mini-Eiffel Tower, which brought part of Paris to Indianapolis, where part Oakland University swimmers will be able to see this replica in person.

That’s because swimmers go to the Olympic swimming trials in Indianapolis to see if they can qualify for the Summer Olympics, where three men and a woman pursue their dream of Olympic glory.

Christian Bart, Jordyn Shipp and Ian Allen are three of four Oakland University swimmers hoping to make the U.S. Olympic team.

The only thing standing in their way is testing.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was four years old,” Allen said. “My ultimate goal in swimming was to make it to the Olympic trials.”

Allen, 23, is a few days away from realizing this childhood dream.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Shipp said.

OU swimmers Shipp, Bart and Alex Lakin will also compete on Saturday (June 15) for a chance to represent Team USA in Paris.

“I do 100 free, 50 free and 100 breaststroke,” Bart said.

This is the moment they’ve been waiting for

“In 2016, I went to Omaha, Nebraska, to watch,” Shipp said. “It was just cool to see the biggest stars in the world on the same stage.”

Shipp is the one to watch right now.

“It’s been a long time coming, but I’m excited,” Shipp said.

All those years of practice, dedication and sacrifice will soon take their toll and soon come down to fractions of a second.

Bart says he’s ready.

“I swam in China, representing the USA,” Bart said. “It was quite a big swimming area, but I think this one is even better.”

For Allen, it’s bittersweet.

“This will be my last race as a college swimmer, so this is a great way to end it,” Allen said.

These elite swimmers have their own way of dealing with the gravity of the moment.

“(I’ll) just try to stay in my lane and worry about what I’m not doing, not what other people are doing,” Bart said.

In Bart’s case, his attention turns to the rope at the bottom of the pool, but Shipp focuses on her family.

“My whole family, both sisters and parents, swam,” Shipp said.

She’s relying on those she loves most who will be in Indy and cheering her on.

“The biggest smile on my face is when I have such a supportive family around me,” Shipp said. “When I need something, I turn to my sisters and parents. My goal right now is to just go and enjoy the moment.

Rehearsals start on Saturday morning. The opening ceremonies of the games are scheduled for July 26.