NBC's coverage of the US Olympic Swimming Trials has been a resounding success, with a significant increase in primetime viewership compared to 2021. According to data reported by Nielsen and Adobe, an average of 3.2 million viewers tuned in to NBC and Peacock for this week's trials, marking a remarkable 20% increase from last year.

The surge in viewership can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic that had kept much of the country indoors in 2021 may have contributed to the elevated numbers this year, as people sought out live sports events. Additionally, holding the swimming trials in a football stadium has garnered attention and generated excitement among fans.

Moreover, the trials' later time zone, which allowed for finals to be held after work hours across the country, likely played a role in attracting a larger audience. The success of the ongoing NHL Stanley Cup finals has also provided a favorable climate for heightened interest in televised sports, with ratings up compared to 2023.

The NBC coverage of the swimming trials has coincided with record-breaking crowds as well. A total of 22,209 fans packed into Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday, with event sponsor Lilly reportedly bringing a significant number of employees to contribute to what is believed to be the largest-ever crowd at a swim meet.

Notably, the first two days of the diving trials also experienced a significant boost in viewership. In primetime, an average of 2.9 million viewers tuned in, marking a notable 39% increase from the overall average in 2021.

With the swimming trials approaching their thrilling finale, interest is expected to culminate on the final night when the Olympic team is announced. SwimSwam's web traffic and 2021 ratings patterns indicate that interest typically tapers off slightly before reaching its peak on this decisive evening.

The success of NBC's coverage of the US Olympic Swimming Trials demonstrates the enduring appeal of swimming as a competitive sport. As the nation eagerly awaits the Tokyo Olympics, fans have proven their unwavering support for the athletes vying for a spot on the prestigious US Olympic team.