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Isabelle Odgers stepped onto the pool deck amidst the roaring applause of the Olympic Trials final—a moment she had dreamt of since her days as an All-American at USC and a contributor to Swimming World. The 200 breaststroke final beckoned, promising not just a race, but a chance at Olympic glory.

While the podium eluded her grasp, overshadowed by formidable competitors like Kate Douglass and Lilly King, Odgers's seventh-place finish marked a milestone in her career. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, "It was incredible. I felt really lucky to be in the final. In 2021, I made semifinals. It was so cool. I waved up to my family. I have never swum in anything like this with the noise and the people. There are some incredible swimmers there."

For Odgers, the final wasn't just a competition; it was a validation of her place among the elite. Few athletes can claim a spot in an Olympic Trials final, let alone compete against the world's best in such a charged atmosphere. "It is really awesome that swimming is getting this kind of platform in Lucas Oil Stadium," she remarked. "All the people here are contributing to some really fast racing. You can see it with the world records and the fast times."

Graduating from USC marked a transition to professional swimming for Odgers, a shift that brought new challenges and opportunities. "This year was hard. I didn’t realize what it would be like with swimming being the one main thing," she admitted. "The transition to pro was definitely a little more difficult, but I had some amazing people around me to help with that transition."

Despite the rigors of professional competition, Odgers remains passionate about the sport she loves. "I still love it. As long as I love it, I am going to keep doing it," she affirmed. "I have some people that believe in me, sometimes more than I believe in myself. I know that because think I can do it, I can do it. There are things I still want to accomplish in the sport."

A Closer Look at Isabelle Odgers's Career

Isabelle Odgers's journey to the Olympic Trials final is a testament to her dedication and skill. Born out of her collegiate successes at USC, where she distinguished herself as an All-American swimmer, Odgers's talent caught the eye of the swimming community early on. Her internship with Swimming World further deepened her engagement with the sport, providing insights that would prove invaluable as she navigated her professional career.

The Olympic Trials final represented a culmination of years of hard work and determination. Competing against the likes of Kate Douglass and Lilly King, both Olympic medalists in their own right, Odgers faced a field stacked with talent and experience. Despite finishing outside the podium positions, her seventh-place finish underscored her capability and potential in the sport.

Transition to Professionalism

Graduating from USC marked a pivotal moment for Odgers as she transitioned from collegiate to professional swimming. No longer juggling academic commitments with training, she faced a new set of challenges in her quest for excellence. "This year was hard," she reflected. "The transition to pro was definitely a little more difficult, but I had some amazing people around me to help with that transition."

Future Aspirations and Legacy

Looking ahead, Odgers remains resolute in her pursuit of further achievements in swimming. "There are things I still want to accomplish in the sport," she revealed. Bolstered by a support network that believes in her abilities, Odgers continues to push the boundaries of her potential, driven by a deep-seated love for swimming and a desire to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.