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Leah Hayes is Learning to Be Easier on Herself After Summer of Growth

2024 PRO SWIM SERIES – WESTMONT

Leah Hayes was catapulted onto the international swim scene as a 16-year-old in 2022 when she not only made the US world championship team, but went onto earn bronze in the 200 IM and the 2022 World Championships. Last summer at the 2023 US World Championships Trials, Hayes finished 3rd in the 400 IM and 4th in the 200 IM, missing the worlds team but qualifying for the Jr Worlds team. At the World Jr Champs in Netanya, Hayes won 5 medals, including individual gold in the 200 and 400 IM.

Heading into the Olympic Trials in June, Hayes is trying to give herself grace. Where last year she would put pressure on herself to hit certain times in races, now she is shooting to merely have fun and enjoy her sport.

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Chlorinetherapy
8 months ago

She seems like a really lovely young woman, would love to see her make the Olympic team.

Sub13
8 months ago

I’m team Hayes for IM. Looks like she’s fighting AWalsh for the second spot in both though so it’ll be tough

Fast and Furious
Reply to  Sub13
8 months ago

She’s not even close to fighting Walsh in the 200
Hope she makes the 400, though

HOO love
8 months ago

YAS Leah!

Aragon Son of Arathorne
8 months ago

She is such a likable person. Would love to see her make the team but its going to be competitive in her best races.

Last edited 8 months ago by Aragon Son of Arathorne
Johnson Swim school
8 months ago

Great e

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