CRST Swimmer Julia Sanders Eyes 26.3 Time for Olympic Trials 50m Freestyle Cut

Sixteen-year-old Julia Sanders has already had a stellar swimming career, setting records, winning competitions and is considered a rising star in USA Swimming. Her latest battle is pushing herself to make the Olympic Trials swimming time standard for the 50m free — and that number is 26.3 seconds.

“It’s not an easy thing to accomplish,” said CRST Head Coach Darlene Hill. “But she’s been working at it.”

Her personal record for the 50m free is 26.69, or three-tenths of a second from making the cut to compete at the Olympic Swimming Trials, which begin on June 25 in Omaha, Nebraska.

In order to qualify for USA Swimming’s national meets, swimmers must first post a qualifying time during the qualifying period. These time standards, or “cuts” are set before the swim season begins.

So Sanders, who is a delightful and determined individual, is getting her final opportunity to make that cut on Saturday at Mt. Hood Community College. Meeting the 26.39 time opens the door to compete at the Olympic Trials.