Looking at Collegiate Newcomers on U.S. Olympic Roster

By Kristen Heiss

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, July 16. MOST people in the swimming world have heard of Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, Aaron Peirsol, and Brendan Hansen.

It seems that every four years, however, names show up on the Olympic roster that no one has ever heard much about.

For me, as a swimmer, it is inspiring to see these "unknowns" have breakout swims that earn them a spot on the team.

Although it is always a thrill to see Michael Phelps break another world record, at Trials I got the same thrill watching a high school or collegiate swimmer make the team. Being a college swimmer myself, it is motivating to know that other swimmers who are still competing for their university and attending school are making the Olympic team.

Although it seems like some swimmers have been fast since the first time they jumped into the pool, for others who made the U.S. team, this year was their breakout year.

Four years ago, while swimmers like Dana Vollmer were breaking the 2:00 barrier in the 200 meter free at the 2004 Trials, Allison Schmitt was still at a solid 2:15 for her 200 free. Allison went 1:55.92 to place second in Omaha and earn a spot in the 200 free at the Olympics.

Christine Marshall was a little behind in even qualifying to swim in Omaha. In March of this year, Christine still didn't have her Olympic Trials cut in anything. Christine secured a ticket to Omaha in March of 2008, swimming a 2:00.3, a lifetime best by several seconds in her 200 free. Christine kept dropping time all the way to her 200 free in Omaha, where she swam a 1:58.1 in finals to earn a spot as a relay swimmer in the 800 free in Beijing.

Scott Spann won the 200 breaststroke at Trials in one of the biggest upsets of the meet. Although Scott certainly has the right swimming genes (his father was an American and world record holder), two years ago, few people would have predicted that Scott would beat Brendan Hansen to win the 200 breaststroke at Trials.

In a two-year period, however, Scott dropped nearly 7 full seconds off his best time in the 200 breaststroke to earn his place on the team.

Although not everyone will make the Olympic Team, these swimmers show the athletes how important it is to chase after goals, whether it be qualifying for a state, regional, sectional, or national meet or simply swimming a best time. It is amazing to see the outcomes when swimmers dedicate themselves to achieving these goals.

These names are only a few of the examples of swimmers who have just recently made a name for themselves in the sport.

I will be watching these new swimming stars in Beijing with as much interest as the Olympic veterans. It is invigorating to see these new faces and the excitement they will bring to the team in representing the U.S. Remember that just a few years ago, Allison, Christine, and Scott were still just another set of faces on deck dreaming of the possibilities.

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