By Duncan Mackay

Dates have been set for the US Swimming Trials for Rio 2016 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, which also staged the event for Beijing 2008 and London 2012 ©USA SwimmingThe United States Olympic Swimming Trials for RIo 2016 in Omaha will take place between June 26 and July 3, it has been announced today.


USA Swimming and the Omaha Sports Commission revealed the dates for the event at the CenturyLink Center, awarded to the city in April 2013 after they were chosen ahead of San Antonio and St. Louis.

The dates technically fall outside the entry deadline for Rio 2016 of July 1 set by FINA but any qualifying performances are still expected to be accepted by the world governing body. 

The eight-day competition will be the only qualifier for the US swimmers for Rio 2016, including Michael Phelps who is on the comeback trail having briefly retired following London 2012 where he won four gold medals to take his career total to a record 18. 

Phelps' 31st birthday is due to fall during the Trials on June 30, day five of the event.

A giant monument was built in Omaha during the US Trials for London 2012 to honour multiple Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps, who is set to celebrate his 31st birthday there when it hosts the Rio 2016 Trials ©Getty ImagesA giant monument was built in Omaha during the US Trials for London 2012 to honour multiple Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps, who is set to celebrate his 31st birthday there when it hosts the Rio 2016  Trials ©Getty Images 
The Trials are due end 34 days before the opening swimming session at Rio 2016 on August 6. 

The London 2012 Trials ended 26 days in advance of the the swimming events opening, which resulted in the US winning 31 medals, including 16 gold, to finish top overall. 

The 2016 Trials will mark the third consecutive time Omaha has hosted the event.

The 2012 US Olympic Trials saw more 164,000 fans in attendance and the eight days of competition were broadcast live on NBC television every night.

"As the marquee swimming event in the United States, the Olympic Trials have been elevated to the upper echelon of sports events," said Chuck Wielgus, executive director of USA Swimming.

 "Athletes, families, fans, coaches and corporate partners enjoy a tremendous experience with compelling competition in CenturyLink Center Omaha, a wonderfully interactive engagement in the Aqua Zone, welcoming hospitality and the camaraderie of the entire swimming community."

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