Back in Action: Dagny Knutson Excited to Race at Minneapolis Grand Prix

PHOENIX, Arizona, September 27. DAGNY Knutson is ready to make her re-appearance. Although she's removed herself from the swimming spotlight since USA Swimming's Austin Grand Prix this past January, today she excitedly announced via social media that she will attend the Minneapolis Grand Prix meet November 9-11, 2012 at the University Aquatic Center at the University of Minnesota.

Missy Franklin is another superstar racing in the first stop of USA Swimming's 2012-13 Grand Prix Circuit. Franklin and Knutson were teammates on the US 2011 World Championship team, and shared a gold medal in the 4×200 relay.

Knutson posted on her Facebook:

“Who's all going to the Minneapolis Grand Prix meet in November?? I AM!!”

Swimming World caught up with Knutson right after her announcement.

“I'm just excited to be competing again. And to see some familiar faces,” she said. “I don't have high expectations as far as performance. I'm just going to see what 12 weeks of training has done so far after taking most of the year off. My goal is just to have fun and keep a good attitude. I used to be so negative going into meets but I don't feel like that person anymore. A lot has changed for the better and I'm excited just to take my first step in Minneapolis.”

Top ten world-ranked Knutson was projected to win medals for Team USA at the London 2012 Olympics. So it came as a surprise when, seemingly out of the blue, she left the 2011-12 Grand Prix meet circuit and announced that she would not be attending the 2012 Olympic Trials.

Later, Swimming World broke the story that Knutson had been battling an eating disorder for several years following turning professional. Knutson boasted a hugely successful high school career, which included a handful of National High School Records and an American Record in the 400 IM. In January, she checked herself into treatment for her bulimic eating disorder. Read the full story here.

Since then, Knutson moved from Gainesville, Florida, where she trained with Olympians Elizabeth Beisel and Gemma Spofforth under Gator Swim Club coach Gregg Troy, back to her home state of North Dakota. She previously told Swimming World that this move was in an effort to have “… a fresh start” and train with her old high school coach Kathy Aspaas, who initially made Knutson a success.

Knutson further said that she will compete in the 200 freestyle, 200 butterfly, 200 IM and 100 freestyle at the Minneapolis Grand Prix.

Written and Posted by Shoshanna Rutemiller
Please e-mail story ideas to ShoshannaR@swimmingworld.com or through Twitter at @SJRutemiller

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