OMAHA, Neb. - Some of the best female swimmers in the country took center stage Thursday as the Olympic Swimming Trials continued in full swing in Omaha, Nebraska.
Beloved veterans and shining novices raced in the women's 100-meter freestyle. One of them, Allison Schmitt, already on Team USA, trains at ASU.
"I love it, I love seeing the sun every day and no matter if it's warm or cold out there, there's always sun," she said. "I absolutely love everything about Arizona and it's been amazing training there all year."
Also part of Team USA this time around is Missy Franklin. America's swimming sweetheart relishes her role as an admired veteran at just 21 years old, and she's grateful for another chance to go for gold.
"I'm so honored to make my second Olympic team", she said moments after the race. "It's such a dream come true at 21. It's really unbelievable. This has been a huge transition year for US swimming, with the veterans alongside so many new rookies and young faces."
Enter Olivia Smoliga. The 21-year-old swimmer from Illinois is one of those new, fresh faces to watch. It was Smoliga who delivered a stunning win in the 100-meter backstroke, denying Franklin the chance to defend in Rio the gold medal she won in London in that race.
"It feels great, I still can't believe I'm going to the Olympics, she said. "I ask myself, 'is this real?' It's absolutely awesome."