Indianapolis, IN – May 23, 2025 – USA Swimming has made waves in the competitive swimming world with a major update to its selection criteria for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, set to take place in Singapore from July 26 to August 3. In a move that’s got sprint enthusiasts buzzing, the organization announced that the 50-meter stroke events—backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—are now elevated to Priority One status, placing them on equal footing with all other individual Olympic events. This change, effective for the U.S. National Championships in Indianapolis from June 3-7, marks a significant shift in how the U.S. selects its world-class roster and signals a growing embrace of sprint events on the global stage.
A Game-Changer for Sprint Specialists
For years, the 50-meter stroke events, often referred to as the “splash-and-dash” races, have been treated as secondary in USA Swimming’s selection hierarchy. Previously classified as non-Olympic events and relegated to lower priority tiers, these races were often overshadowed by longer distances like the 100 and 200-meter events, which are staples of the Olympic program. This meant that even standout performers in the 50-meter races, like Michael Andrew, sometimes missed out on World Championship rosters due to the emphasis on Olympic events and relay qualifications.
The updated criteria eliminate the old Priority 3 category, which once housed these non-Olympic events, and now include the 50-meter backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly alongside traditional Olympic events in Priority One. This means the top finisher in each of these events at the U.S. National Championships will secure a spot on the World Championships team, provided they meet the World Aquatics “A” time standard. The change is a nod to the growing prominence of sprint racing and a response to the recent decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include these events in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“This is huge for sprinters,” said Olympic gold medalist Michael Andrew in a recent interview on the USA Swimming Network’s Kick Set Podcast. “It’s about time the 50s got the respect they deserve. These races are pure speed, and now USA Swimming is giving us a real shot to shine on the world stage.” Andrew, a standout in the 50-meter butterfly and breaststroke, is among the athletes poised to benefit from this shift, especially as he gears up for the 2028 Olympics.
Why the Change Matters
The decision to elevate the stroke 50s comes on the heels of the IOC’s announcement in April 2025 that these events will debut in the Olympic program in Los Angeles. This move by World Aquatics and the IOC reflects a broader trend in swimming toward valuing speed and explosiveness, qualities that the 50-meter races showcase in spades. By aligning its selection criteria with this global shift, USA Swimming is ensuring that its athletes are well-prepared to compete in these high-stakes, high-speed events.
The updated selection process also simplifies the qualification structure. Previously, the criteria included five priority levels, with the stroke 50s often falling to Priority 3 or lower. This led to complex scenarios where winners of the 50-meter events could be left off the roster if the team hit its 26-swimmer-per-gender cap, as happened to Michael Andrew in 2023 when he won the 50-meter butterfly but didn’t make the team. Now, with the stroke 50s in Priority One, alongside the top four finishers in the 100 and 200 freestyle and the top finisher in other Olympic events, the path to Singapore is clearer for sprint specialists.
“This change levels the playing field,” said Coach Sarah Thompson, who trains several top sprinters at the University of Texas. “It tells our athletes that every event matters, whether it’s a 50-meter sprint or a 1500-meter grind. It’s a huge motivator for our swimmers to focus on these races and bring their best to Nationals.”
What the New Criteria Look Like
The updated 2025 Worlds Team Selection Priority Order is straightforward but impactful:
- Priority 1: The four best-finishing available swimmers in the 100 and 200 freestyle, plus the best-finishing swimmer in each individual Olympic event (including the 50-meter backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly).
- Priority 2: The second-best-finishing swimmer in each individual Olympic event, excluding the 100 and 200 freestyle.
- Priority 3: The fifth-best-finishing swimmer in the 100 and 200 freestyle.
- Priority 4: The sixth-best-finishing swimmer in the 100 and 200 freestyle.
Notably, the old Priority 3, which included non-Olympic events like the stroke 50s, has been eliminated entirely. This restructuring ensures that winners of the 50-meter events are guaranteed a spot, assuming they meet the “A” standard, and it reduces the likelihood of roster cap issues sidelining top performers. However, a key caveat remains: for the U.S. to field two swimmers in any event, including the stroke 50s, both must have achieved the World Aquatics “A” time standard within the qualifying period.
Impact on Athletes and Fans
For athletes, this change is a chance to shine in events that demand precision and raw power. Swimmers like Regan Smith, who has posted blazing times in the 50-meter backstroke, and Torri Huske, a force in the 50-meter butterfly, are likely to capitalize on this opportunity. On the men’s side, athletes like Caeleb Dressel, known for his dominance in sprint freestyle and butterfly, could add the 50-meter butterfly to their repertoire, while Hunter Armstrong and Justin Ress are strong contenders in the 50-meter backstroke.
Fans are equally thrilled. Posts on X have been buzzing with excitement, with users calling the move “a game-changer for sprint fans” and predicting “some epic battles in Singapore.” The inclusion of stroke 50s in Priority One is seen as a way to make the World Championships more exciting, with the short, explosive races often producing nail-biting finishes. “I can’t wait to see the 50 fly at Worlds,” one fan posted. “It’s going to be pure chaos, and I’m here for it!”
Challenges and Considerations
While the update is largely celebrated, it’s not without challenges. The roster cap of 26 swimmers per gender means that tough choices could still arise, especially if multiple swimmers qualify in several events. Additionally, the requirement for two swimmers to meet the “A” standard to field a second entrant in the stroke 50s could limit the U.S. to one swimmer in some events if the standard isn’t met. This was a point of contention in past years, as seen in 2022 when Lilly King was the only U.S. swimmer in the 50-meter breaststroke because no other teammate had the necessary time.
There’s also the question of how this shift will affect training. Sprint events require a different approach than distance races, and coaches may need to adjust their programs to prepare athletes for the demands of the 50-meter races. “It’s a different beast,” said Coach Thompson. “You’re training for explosive power, not endurance. We’re already tweaking our workouts to make sure our sprinters are ready.”
Looking Ahead to Singapore and Beyond
As the U.S. National Championships approach, all eyes will be on Indianapolis to see who emerges as the top contenders for the 2025 World Championships team. The inclusion of stroke 50s in Priority One is a clear signal that USA Swimming is embracing the future of the sport, where speed is king. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, this change also sets the stage for American swimmers to dominate the new Olympic events.
For now, the swimming community is abuzz with anticipation. Will Michael Andrew reclaim his spot in the 50-meter butterfly? Can Regan Smith and Katharine Berkoff sweep the 50-meter backstroke? And how will veterans like Caeleb Dressel and Lilly King adapt to this new priority? One thing’s for sure: the 2025 World Championships in Singapore are shaping up to be a sprint showdown for the ages.
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