USA Notes: Natalie Coughlin Stalking Lucky Medal No. 13; Over-30 Club Ready To Roll

Less than a month remains until some dreams are fulfilled and others are broken at the United States Olympic Trials in Omaha. The competition, which will be held in at the CenturyLink Center for the third consecutive time, will account for the final piece of the Olympic puzzle and will allow for a clearer picture of what will unfold in August in Rio de Janeiro.

There’s no shortage of storylines heading into the meet, and in regards of what will transpire in Rio, the first South American city to serve as an Olympic host. Here is SwimVortex’s latest look at some of the top American storylines of the summer.

Will Natalie Coughlin Make History?

Through three Olympiads (2004-2012), Natalie Coughlin has accumulated 12 medals, a total that ranks for the most in history by a female swimmer, along with countrywomen Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres. Will the 33-year-old Coughlin get the chance to grab lucky No. 13, and garner sole possession of the record?

Coughlin’s record-breaking potential basically hinges on a pair of events. The first option is contributing to an American medal in the 400 freestyle relay, where the United States figures to be in the silver- and bronze-medal hunt at the Games. For Coughlin to get the chance to race that relay in Rio, it will first require a top-six finish in Omaha, followed by an American medal at the Games. Last year, Coughlin rated as the third-quickest American, thanks to a 53.85 clocking from the Pan American Games.

The second option for Coughlin is to qualify for the Olympics in the 100 backstroke, thus giving her two more medal opportunities. Coughlin might not be the dominant force she was on the way to back-to-back Olympic titles in 2004 and 2008, but she ranked sixth in the world in 2015 at 59.05, and was the top American. After seemingly pushing the backstroke aside in favor of the sprint freestyles, Coughlin’s return to the 100 back was highly intriguing.

A berth to Rio in the 100 backstroke would not only provide Coughlin with an individual chance at more Olympic hardware, it would provide her with duty in the 400 medley relay, where the United States is favored for gold. Obviously, it won’t be easy for Coughlin to qualify in the 100 backstroke due to the presence of Missy Franklin, Claire Adams, Kathleen Baker and Olivia Smoliga, but last summer proved Coughlin is going to be a factor.

How Many 30-Plus Guys Will Reach The Podium?

If not for the quality and quantity of youth coming through the American system, there could be some concerns that Team USA is going into the Olympic Games with an aging roster. But when the elder statesmen carrying the banner for the United States are led by Michael Phelps and …

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