Miles Simon, a sophomore at Howard University, qualified for the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials with his 50-meter freestyle. Clocking in at 23.11, Simon made the Wave I cut with 8 seconds to spare.
“Having the opportunity to compete at this meet was one of my biggest eye openers,” Simon said in an interview. “It allowed me to see and feel what it’s like to compete on a National level with world class swimmers, such as Ryan Lochte and Joseph Schooling. Even though this year’s conditions could have given me the excuses I needed to not train, I understood what I needed to do to reach my goals.”
Simon is the second Bison to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials, the first being his current coach and Director of Swimming & Diving, Nicholas Askew.
“The entire team and staff are more than thrilled about Miles’ most recent accomplishment,” Askew said. “It is fulfilling to see Miles’ hard work being rewarded. This is another major milestone for our program. We cannot wait to cheer loud and proud from The Yard.”
Simon won 11 races in his first season, also breaking two school records and being named Coastal Collegiate Sports Association’s Swimmer of the Week. Simon said he is grateful for all of the support he has received.
The 2021 U.S. Olympics Trials begin June 4-7 in Omaha, Nebraska.
