Who is Aaron Shackell? Everything about the 19-year-old who became the first U.S. swimmer headed to the Paris Olympics

Aaron Shackell is a 19-year-old swimmer who has just become the first American to claim a spot on the 2024 U.S Olympic Swim Team. Competing at the Trials being held in the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the youngster booked a ticket to Paris after storming to gold in the 400m freestyle.

Shackell clocked a 3:45.46 to hold off Olympic medalist Kieran Smith by just a half a second. While the Carmel Swim Club athlete has already ensured himself of an appearance at the Paris Olympics, his work is still not done as he is scheduled to compete in three other events at the Trials, the 200m freestyle, and the 100m and 200m butterfly.

In light of the American’s stunning performance in Indianapolis, here is everything you need to know about the youngster.

Aaron Shackell’s family and hometown

Aaron Shackell was born to parents Ali and Nick Shackell in 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. The family moved to Carmel, Indianapolis when the swimmer was a sophomore in high school. Both of Shackell's parents are swimmers, having competed as All-Americans for Auburn University. His father, Nick Shackell is also an Olympian who represented Great Britain at the 1996 Games.

The swimmer has a twin brother, Andrew, and a sister, Alex. Both of them are swimmers as well, and have qualified for the 2024 U.S Olympic Swimming Trials.

When did Aaron Shackell take up swimming?

Shackell started swimming at the tender age of 5, with intentions of following in his father's footsteps as an Olympian, a dream he has now achieved.

Aaron Shackell's Education

The 19-year-old swimmer studied at Carmel High School, before signing with the University of California for his collegiate career. However, in late 2023, Shackell decided to take an Olympic redshirt to return to the Carmel Swim Club and focus on the Olympic Games, with intentions of returning to Berkeley in the fall.

However, in April of this year, the swimmer entered the NCAA transfer portal, and in May announced that he would be joining the University of Texas, writing on Instagram,

“After much thought and consideration, I’ve decided I will continue my athletic and academic careers at the University of Texas. Hook ‘em!”

Aaron Shackell's coach

Shackell currently trains under the CEO and head coach of the Carmel Swim Club, Chris Plumb. As a coach, Plumb has won 35 back-to-back girls State Championships, 19 boys State Championships, and has been named the Sectional Coach of the Year.

Aaron Shackell’s performances in 2024

Aaron Shackell had a strong start to his 2024, beginning with the IN CSC Winter Invitational in home ground in Indianapolis. The 19-year-old participated in three events, the 500 hard freestyle, the 200 yard freestyle, and the 200 yard butterfly, winning gold in all of them.

He then went on to compete at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Westmont, where his best performance was a ninth place finish in the 400m freestyle. In late March, Shackell took to the water at the Speedo Sectionals at the IUPUI Natatorium, winning gold in the 400, 200, and 100m freestyle.

The 19-year-old then moved on to the Indy May Cup, where he won the 200m butterfly and took bronze in the 200m freestyle.