The Olympic Swim Trials kicked off in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WNDU) – This weekend, the Olympic Swim Trials kicked off in Indianapolis.

And it was a record-breaker!

20,689 hearts beating inside the stadium, the largest crowd to ever attend an indoor swim meet.

And Michiana was well represented with some people working the event and others attending as fans.

“It’s very exciting because it’s here in Indiana and you get to say that you are from this area and it’s very nice to see this in Indianapolis cause it’s in a football stadium which was very awesome to see them turn from football to swimming,” said RaeAnne Hastings at the South Bend Swim Club.

For Raeanne attending the Olympic trial is a dream come true. As a swimmer herself– seeing her role model earn her ticket to Paris on Saturday was a unique experience.

“I think as a mom or parent when your child finds something they are so passionate about and then you’re able to take to what would be a pinnacle event for them. I was just moved to tears. It was that beautiful moment when she was stunned speechless, just a little tear and you saw her take it all in and you’re like I did good. I gave her the moment she deserved,” said Judeanne Hastings, Raeanne’s mother.

Not only are local fans in the stands this year, but they’re also working the event.

“My job here at Olympic trial is to cover digitally each athlete swimming away not necessarily what they’re doing in the pool but what they’re doing out and what their story adds as a whole. I have to take a step back sometimes and be like wow I’m at Olympic trials covering swimming that’s a goal, that’s a dream,” said Copper VanDriessche, the Swimming World Magazine Intern.

The Olympic Trials wrap up on Sunday but for these fans the pride of hosting an event this big in their state is one they will never forget.

“I think it’s really important to mention how deep the swimming is in the state of Indiana, especially from our South Bend area. Having the world’s biggest stage here in Indianapolis,” said VanDriessche.

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