Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Caeleb Dressel and freestyle sensation Katie Ledecky are set to headline the high-stakes US Olympic swimming trials, a nine-day event in Indianapolis, Indiana, where only the top two finishers in each event will secure a berth for the Paris 2024 Games.

Dressel, returning to form after a nine-month hiatus following his abrupt withdrawal from the 2022 world championships, will compete in the 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly, and 50m freestyle. Despite not being the top-ranked swimmer in these events, his steady progress signals readiness to face young challengers like Dare Rose and Jack Alexy.

Reflecting on his comeback, Dressel admitted, "I knew I was in a spot where it wasn't healthy... I know I'm a good swimmer, but if you were to ask me that a couple years ago, I don't know what I'd say."

Ledecky, aiming for her fourth Olympic Games, will race in the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events. Her journey began with a stunning victory in the 800m freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics at age 15. Fellow competitor Katie Grimes, already qualified for Paris in open water swimming, will attempt to secure additional events in the pool.

Other notable swimmers include Kate Douglass, the top-ranked American in multiple events including the 50m and 100m freestyle, the 200m breaststroke, and the 200m medley. The women's 100m butterfly promises intense competition with Olympian Torri Huske, Gretchen Walsh, and Claire Curzan vying for spots.

Regan Smith, aiming to secure her place in the 100m and 200m backstrokes and the 200m butterfly, hopes to renew rivalries with international stars Kaylee McKeown and Summer McIntosh. Ryan Murphy, Olympic backstroke champion from Rio, will lead the men's 100m and 200m backstrokes.

Carson Foster, prominent in the 200m and 400m medleys, looks forward to a potential Paris showdown with French swimmer Leon Marchand.

The trials, held at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, will be a spectacular stage for these athletes as they chase their Olympic dreams starting Saturday.