Free!: Timeless Medley - The Promise (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Haruka Quits the Junior High Swim Team

In junior high school, Haruka Nanase joins the swim team but quits after a falling out with his elementary school rival, Rin Matsuoka, who has returned from schooling in Australia. The falling out causes Haruka's teammate, Ikuya Kirishima, to resent him deeply.

When

Junior high school

The Swim Team Disbands

Following Haruka's departure, the junior high swim team falls apart completely. Asahi Shiina moves away, and Ikuya Kirishima decides to study abroad, scattering the former teammates and leaving their tensions unresolved.

A New Team Forms in High School

In high school, Haruka prepares for tournaments with his teammates Makoto Tachibana, Nagisa Hazuki, and Rei Ryugazaki. Meanwhile, Rin, who has since reconciled with the group, trains toward the same competitive goals on his own path.

When

High school

Diverging Dreams: Haruka and Makoto

Haruka enters his final year of high school without any post-graduation plans, even after being scouted by a university during the prefectural tournaments. At the same time, Makoto becomes inspired to become a swim coach after helping Kisumi Shigino's little brother, Hayato, learn how to swim.

When

Final year of high school

Haruka Stops Swimming at Regionals

During the regional tournament, Haruka is overwhelmed by the pressure of performing in front of university scouts. He unexpectedly stops swimming in the middle of his individual event, leaving everyone stunned by his actions.

Where

Regional tournament

Rin Confronts Haruka

Rin confronts Haruka about not having a dream, pushing him on his lack of direction for the future. Haruka becomes uncharacteristically angry during the exchange, which deeply concerns his friends who witness the outburst.

Makoto and Haruka's Heated Argument

Makoto attempts to reason with Haruka, but their conversation escalates into a heated argument. During the fight, Makoto reveals his decision to attend university in Tokyo to fulfill his own dream, and Haruka is left feeling even more lost than before.

A Journey to Australia

With prompting from Makoto, Rin takes Haruka with him back to Australia. The trip proves to be a turning point, inspiring Haruka to commit to swimming at the college level.

Where

Australia

Reconciliation and Nationals

Upon returning to Japan, Haruka makes amends with his team and rebuilds his strained bonds. With renewed hope and strengthened friendships, Haruka and his teammates go on to place 6th overall at the national tournament.

Where

Japan

Ikuya's Stunning Performance

During nationals, Sosuke Yamazaki gets lost and ends up watching the individual medleys, where Ikuya Kirishima of Shionezaki High School overtakes everyone. After the tournament, Ikuya discusses his condition with his older brother, Natsuya Kirishima.

Where

Nationals

Sosuke Transfers to Samezuka Academy

Sosuke Yamazaki, Rin's best friend from childhood, transfers into Rin's class at Samezuka Academy. The two had promised each other as children to continue their swim careers together, and they begin preparing for upcoming tournaments side by side.

Where

Samezuka Academy

A Hidden Injury Strains the Friendship

Unbeknownst to Rin, Sosuke has incurred a serious shoulder injury from overuse but continues to swim regardless. While Rin stays serious about the sport, Sosuke struggles to find a reason to continue, which further strains their friendship.

Rin Finally Learns the Truth

At the regional tournament, Rin finally discovers the extent of Sosuke's shoulder injury. Sosuke, now cherishing the bonds he has forged with the swim team, is determined to participate in the team medley one last time despite the pain.

Where

Regional tournament

Second Place and a Difficult Decision

The team places second in the medley race, officially qualifying for nationals, and Sosuke decides to get medical treatment for his injury. Although he drops out of the nationals, he offers to help Aiichiro Nitori and Momotaro Mikoshiba prepare for the competition.

New Beginnings on the Horizon

In the aftermath, Sosuke warns Rin about Ikuya, whose freestyle resembles Haruka's in both form and speed, while Ikuya refuses to attend the nationals' awards ceremony to call Natsuya. Gou becomes determined to recruit new members for the next school year, and Aiichiro, Momotaro, Nagisa, and Rei reaffirm their rivalry and plan a joint practice. Meanwhile, Asahi exchanges farewells with his swim team at Kazami High School, receives a text from Kisumi, and Haruka and Makoto soon arrive in Tokyo.

Where

Tokyo