Sports

Lilly King talks confidence, comebacks, and closing out career on her own terms

Published

6 months ago

June 12, 2025

King, a native of Evansville, Indiana, and a standout swimmer for the Indiana Hoosiers, competed at the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Olympic Games, winning six medals across her career. Her retirement announcement came just days before the start of the USA Swimming Toyota National Championships on June 3—held at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis, the pool where she first began racing as a 10-year-old.

“It has always been important to me that my last meet in the (United States) be at the pool that started it all,” King said. “I have been racing in the Indiana University Natatorium since I was 10 years old. From state meets, to the NCAA Championships, USA Swimming Nationals, and anything in between, this pool has been my home… I look forward to racing in front of a home crowd one last time. See you in Indy!”

An 18-time world champion and 27-time world medallist, King arrived in Indianapolis for what she had planned to be her final U.S. meet. The Nationals also served as the selection trials for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, with only the top two swimmers in each event qualifying for Team USA.

Predictably confident in familiar surroundings, King said: “We are here a lot for big meets. It’s exciting to always be able to swim here. I think everyone has a routine when they are here—perhaps not everyone’s routine is as down pat as mine, because I have been swimming here my whole life.”

King opted out of the 200m breaststroke and opened her competition in the 50m breaststroke—an event recently added to the Olympic program, though she has said another Olympic medal chase isn’t in her future. On June 5, she led her heat in 30.15 and went on to win the final in a field of 51 swimmers with the only sub-30-second time: 29.88. Her farewell tour was officially extended, with a spot secured for Singapore.

A day later, King finished second in the 100m breaststroke final—just 0.23 seconds behind Kate Douglass—securing her second World Championship berth. It was a fitting performance for the 28-year-old, who still holds the world record in the 100m breaststroke, set at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest.

In a post-race interview on NBC, King was her usual candid self: “Honestly, I just took a little bit too much caffeine before my race, so I was about to jump out of my skin anyway. I am super grateful to be here. I appreciate you all being here and coming out and supporting me, forever! It’s been such a great ride and I can’t wait to represent Team USA again this summer.”

How did you feel about your swim in the 50m breaststroke?
It was good—any time I can go under 30, it’s a good race. I like to win, and any time I get to do that is special. Doing it in front of a crowd makes it even more fun. It’s still exciting to be able to do this at my age. Coming off the blocks, I can hear Ray (Looze, my coach) in my head saying, “Don’t look around!”—but I don’t always listen to Ray. Every season gets a little harder as I get older, and that’s something I’ve had to work through. It’s tough to keep your confidence when you’re not hitting the in-season times you were hitting three, four, five years ago. But I take pride in overcoming that mental block.

What was your take on your 100m breaststroke performance?
The first 50 felt good—I think I was 30.6 going out. The front half looked strong; the back end is always a little messy. At a trials meet, you just have to get up and go for it. Of course, I’d love to be under 1:06, but we’ve got a solid training block ahead, and I’m excited to sharpen up before Worlds.

What’s been the secret to your longevity in the sport?
I’ve been really fortunate not to have had any major injuries. A lot of that comes down to taking care of myself. I take pride in that and try to set an example for the younger athletes—especially when it comes to stretching and recovery. And, honestly, I think I’ve just been lucky too.

Did the announcement about 50m stroke events being added to the LA Olympics make you reconsider retirement?
No! Well… yes, for about six hours. I called my mom and we talked it through. I had maybe a day of thinking it over. But I was already sure I was going to take next year off. I woke up the next morning and said to myself, “We’re good. Let the young ones have it.”

So when will you officially retire?
Now that I’ve qualified for the World Championships, I’ll retire after my last event in Singapore. After that, I’ll be cheering everyone on—so, good luck, everyone! Honestly, this has been my plan for at least five years. I’ve always known Paris would be my last Olympics. Would I love to swim in LA? Sure. But I’m also really excited to watch swimming in LA. I’m ready to move on and just be a normal human being.

What are your goals for the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore?
To swim fast! It’s nice going to Singapore without having to swim the 200. I didn’t do it at Short Course Worlds either. That gives me a few days to rest and get some training in between events. When I was doing my full schedule, I was swimming from Day 2 through Day 8—that’s a lot. I think the 200’s been affecting my 50 a bit, so I’m excited to be able to go all-in with a little more recovery.

What’s it meant to you to race the last few years at trials events in Indianapolis?
It’s been great. I love racing here. It just happened that the last few years worked out for me to swim at this pool and then at Lucas Oil Stadium last year. It’s been a cool way to close out this chapter of my career.

Were you able to take in the crowd’s support this week?
Yeah, I think I soak it in a little more when I’m here. I get a lot of love from the crowd, and I really appreciate it. I’m not sad—actually, I’m really excited. I’m feeling a lot of gratitude. I’m not super nostalgic just yet, and I don’t know if I will be. I’m not a very emotional person, but I’ll try to keep it together. I’m doing okay—it’s all good!

Looking back on your journey, what stands out the most?
I’m really happy with how everything turned out. I’ve been fortunate to swim with—and learn from—so many amazing people. I got to hear their stories, pick up their tips and tricks, and be part of something special with the national team. I’m grateful for that, and I hope I’ve passed some of that along.

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Sports

Track and Field Wraps Season Opener

Published

5 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NORMAN — The Oklahoma men’s and women’s track and field team closed out the OU Winter Field Fest on Friday night at the Mosier Indoor Facility, highlighted by 12 individual event wins.

Floyd Whitaker kicked off the meet with a personal-best jump of 16.40m (53’9.75″) to win the event title and mark No. 6 in the OU history books.

In the men’s weight throw, Brendon See tossed a personal-best 21.05m (69’0.75″), claiming the event title and moving his name up to No. 2 in OU history.

During her debut with the Sooners, Jacelyn Neighbors secured the women’s pole vault title, clearing 19.15m (62’10”).

In her first collegiate track meet, former OU volleyball player Hannah Pfiffner put up a stellar performance, clearing 1.79m (5’6.5″) in the women’s high jump, good for a personal best and tied for No. 7 in OU history.

Kennedy Clarke found success in the women’s weight throw with her mark of 19.15m (62’10”).

Breaking into OU’s top-ten performance list at No. 5, newcomer Kennedy Stringfellow marked 7.77m (25’6″) for the men’s long jump title.

OU’s Tucker Smith claimed the men’s shot put title with his toss of 18.65m (61’2.25″).

Sophomore Samuel Toili finished first in the men’s 60m dash with his personal-best time of 6.81. Newcomer Morgan Little stood out in her first performance for the Sooners, claiming the women’s 60m dash title and staking her name at No. 4 in the OU history books.

In her collegiate debut, freshman Kassidi Watkins claimed the women’s long jump title, marking 6.18m (20’3.5″).

Redshirt-freshman Tyley Dotson nailed a 15.20m (49’10.5″) in the women’s shot put, earning the event title.

Closing out the night, Trey Bartholomew cleared 6.18m (20’3.5″) in men’s high jump, earning himself the event title and moving his name up to No. 3 in the OU record book. Junior Tyson Ritz also etched himself into the history book at No. 9 with his clearance of 2.18m (7’1.75″).

The Sooners collected 26 more personal bests for a total of 34 on the day.

Following the completion of the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener on Dec. 6, Oklahoma returns to action on January 16 at home, hosting the Owen Hewett Invitational.

For more information on Oklahoma Track & Field, follow the Sooners on Twitter and Instagram (@OU_Track) and like Oklahoma Sooners Track & Field and Cross Country on Facebook.

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Sports

Pitt Sweeps UMBC to Advance to 10th Straight NCAA Round of 32 Match

Published

6 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

PITTSBURGH – The Pitt volleyball team (27-4, 18-2 ACC) swept UMBC (13-12, 7-3 Big East) 25-10, 25-17, 25-13 on Friday night at the Petersen Events Center. The Panthers set a program NCAA Tournament record with a .518 hitting percentage, and Olivia Babcock broke the single-season program kills record with her 546th of the year, surpassing Wendy Hatlestad’s mark from 2003. With the sweep, Pitt advanced to its 10th straight NCAA Tournament Round of 32.

Pitt opened the first set by building a 15-8 lead heading into the media timeout. UMBC used both timeouts during the next four-point run, sparked by kills from Abbey Emch, Marina Pezelj and Blaire Bayless. Babcock then delivered a 4-0 service run to secure the 25-10 win.

The second set followed a similar script, as the Panthers once again held a 15-8 advantage at the media timeout. UMBC called a timeout at 18-9 after kills from Bre Kelley and Bayless, but Pitt maintained control and closed out the frame, 25-17, on a Retriever hitting error.

The third set was tied 5-5 before Pitt surged ahead with a 7-2 run behind Brooke Mosher’s efficient, balanced distribution. UMBC called timeout at 17-9 in an effort to slow the momentum, but the Panthers continued to roll, taking the set 25-13 and completing the sweep.

Pitt returns tomorrow to face Michigan (22-10, 11-9 Big Ten) in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 at 7 p.m. The match will stream on ESPN+.

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Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Open Season at GVSU Holiday Open

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College men’s and women’s track and field teams opened indoor season Friday at the GVSU Holiday Open. The competition marked the Hornets’ first track and field meet of any kind since 1980 for men’s, 1981 for women’s, and the first indoor competition since 1939 (men only).

Drew Abbott was the first competitor for Kalamazoo, finishing No. 10 overall and as the top Division III runner in the men’s one-mile run open field at 4:26.08.

In the men’s 400-meter dash, Bram Derksen posted a 53.87-second time, and Elliott Anderson ran his 400m in 55.33.

Allison Mayer became the Hornets’ first official women’s indoor track competitor by running a 10:54.84 3000m. Maya Alkema ran the 5000m in 18:37.56.

On the men’s side in the 5000m, Jack Schneider ran at a time of 15:56.47 and John Lonsway finished at 16:49.87.

Kalamazoo men’s and women’s indoor track and field will travel to Trine for the Sean Brady Invitational after the holiday break on Jan. 17, 2026.

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Sports

Nebraska volleyball begins national title chase with win over LIU

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Related coverage in the video aboveNebraska volleyball hosted LIU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.Bergen Reilly to Andi Jackson and Nebraska was up 6-2.Jackson would later bump Nebraska’s lead to 15-9.A kill from Taylor Landfair ended set 1, giving Nebraska the 25-11 set victory.Rebekah Allick on the block, and it’s 3-0 Huskers in set 2.Allick and Jackson were leading the Huskers by the end of set 2. Nebraska defeated LIU 25-15 in the second set.A 4-0 run for the Huskers kicked things off in set 3.Nebraska was dominating LIU in set 3.Allick claimed match point for Nebraska.The Huskers got the 25-17 set win and the sweep over LIU.The Huskers will face Kansas State in the second round of the tournament on Saturday at 7 p.m.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

LINCOLN, Neb. —

Related coverage in the video above

Nebraska volleyball hosted LIU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.