U.S. Nationals: Gabby Rose Still Writing History – In Familiar Territory as the Past
On August 12, 2000, Gabby Rose etched her name into history at the Indiana University Natatorium.
Through a spectacular effort in the 200-meter individual medley, Rose moved up the ranks in each round at the United States Olympic Trials. From 15th in prelims to seventh in the semifinals to second place in the final out of Lane One, Rose punched her ticket to the Sydney Olympics, and had her name permanently stenciled on the south wall of the Natatorium.
Twenty-five years later, at age 47, Rose continues to carve her name into the history books – in the same pool and same lane in which he reached greatness all those years ago.
A Return to Excellence
Sometimes, stories have endings that are better left unfinished. The tale of Gabby Rose is one of those stories.
After reaching the pinnacle of success throughout her college and immediate post-grad years, Rose retired from swimming in 2004. A bout with mononucleosis just three weeks before the Olympic Trials in Long Beach left her short of her goal of winning an Olympic medal. At the time, Rose believed stepping away from the sport is what she needed.
For Rose, that initial retirement could have been the end of her swimming story – her legacy established. A 22-time All-American at Stanford, Rose won nine international medals during an eight-year stretch, achieving feats that countless individuals dream of, but only few achieve.
But Rose eventually had another chapter to write. Nineteen years after swimming her last race, Rose embarked on a fundraising effort to save the only 50-meter pool in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. This opportunity allowed Rose to get back in the water and provided the chance to look at swimming from a different perspective than she did during her younger years. This time, it was about enjoying the journey and every step that came along the way.
2025 Nationals
Every time it seems Gabby Rose has accomplished all that is possible, she proves there is more to her tale. Her two semifinal appearances at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, which once seemed unrealistic, only left her wanting more.
“Last summer was surreal, and I loved the journey of getting there, and of course, the experience of U.S. Olympic Trials,” Rose said. “And when it was over, I wanted more. I wanted to see what I was capable of.”
This goal is what drove Rose in the year since Trials. After a trio of consolation-finals appearances at the TYR Pro Series in Fort Lauderdale, she set her sights on the next meet, U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. For Rose, the city and the venue, served as a homecoming.
Being in Indianapolis last summer was the first star to align. Returning to the Natatorium created an entire constellation.
“This pool is very, very special to me. My last NCAA competition was here, making the Olympic team, having my name on the wall,” Rose said “Just brings back lots of good memories of that 2000 Olympic team, and just how awesome it is to represent Team USA. I love being here.”
After one bonus and one consolation final swim over the first three days Nationals, Rose entered Day Four seeded ninth in the 100 breaststroke, one spot away from the championship final. After being on the outside looking in a year ago, the goal to make the championship final drove Rose over the last year. A preliminary swim of 1:08.54 got the job done, as it moved her up two places and put her into her first championship final since the 100 freestyle at the 2004 Olympic Trials.
In the final, she became the oldest finalist at a National meet, while maintaining both her placement and her time from prelims.
“Tonight was really special for me, and I just had to take a moment and soak it all up,” Rose said. “I was so happy that I was swimming in Lane One, because that’s the lane that I made the Olympic team in in 2000 and that was a crazy journey.”
Another Journey
The 2025 U.S. Nationals haven’t just been about achieving personal success for Rose. She has also taken pride in the success of athletes she has been able to mentor, through coaching with Alpha Aquatics, the club team she also represents as an athlete.
“I really believe in our program at Alpha Aquatics, and Scott Hubbard, my coach,” Rose said. “We have a kid here, Miles Blackson-Dunbar, who is just stepping up beautifully at every single moment. He has matured so much, and that’s the thing that I love so much about coaching high schoolers – seeing their journey of maturity and them stepping into leadership.”
While Rose talks about the impact coaching has had on her, the impact she has had on her athletes is crystal clear. Blackson-Dunbar was warming up for his 50 freestyle on Day Five while proudly wearing a t-shirt that sported the line: “Gabby Rose is My Coach.”
The Next Chapter
With Rose putting together another outstanding week of swimming for the second straight year, she could bring her swimming story to a close. Yet, she shows no signs of slowing down anytime in the near future. With the TYR Summer Championships in August next on the docket, she plans to tackle another challenge.
“I don’t know when this will be over, but I’m just enjoying seeing what I’m capable of,” Rose said. “I’m loving the journey.”
