Japan swimming trials 2024: It's do or die for 4-time world champion Seto Daiya
Who would’ve thought that halfway through the Japanese Olympic trials, Seto Daiya’s career would be on the line. But that’s where things are at.
One of the top swimmers of his generation, Seto, the four-time world champion and Olympic medallist, qualified for the 200m butterfly final on Wednesday (20 March) in 1:56.20 - four seconds off his personal best which is also the Japan record.
Two days ago, Seto failed to meet the qualifying time in the 400m individual medley, the two-time Olympian’s signature race and one in which he won a bronze medal at Rio 2016.
The 200m fly was not initially on the cards for Seto but after his flop on Monday at Tokyo Aquatics Centre, he felt the need for more competition. It raised the eyebrows of his new coach Michael Bohl, who he has been working with in Australia since late last year.
“He was surprised I was entering the 200m fly because we haven’t been working on it,” said Seto, who turns 30 in May. “After the 400m IM I felt like I didn’t have enough races under my belt. Looking ahead to the 200m IM, I thought another race would help so I told him I wanted to go.
“Michael feels the most important thing right now is to make the team. I’ve only been practicing the medley so Michael wants to talk about whether I should swim the butterfly final. He just wants to be sure.
“I’m not sure what Michael will say about today’s result but if it were up to me, I want to take a crack at it.”
The butterfly final is on Thursday with the heats for the 200m IM the day after. It remains to be seen whether saving himself for the medley or getting in one more race will help him secure a quota at a third Olympic Games. Seto and Bohl will have a conversation about it.
Despite having his back against the wall, Seto appears to be completely at peace with where he stands, still flashing his trademark smile. By the weekend, we will know if there is a last hurrah for him in Paris this summer - or not.
“I’ve had a long career and experienced a lot,” he said. “Twelve years ago at the trials for the London Olympics, I couldn’t sleep and was suffering from nose bleeds because I was so worked up. I cried, too.
“Guess I grew up. I’m unusually calm even though I haven’t made the team yet. I’ve done everything I can and am still doing it. I haven’t qualified, but I’m enjoying the situation I’m in, strange enough.”
