FanShot

Dana Vollmer headed to Rio, targeting back-to-back gold in 100 fly

+

From CalBears.com

A mere 16 months ago, Dana Vollmer had no intentions of returning to competitive swimming. After winning four Olympic gold medals, including three during the 2012 Games in London, she and her husband were expecting their first child and beginning a new phase in their life.

But feeling restless in the weeks before little Arlen arrived, Vollmer met with Cal women’s head coach Teri McKeever and soon made the decision to give swimming one more try.

All the long hours, hard work and being a mom on the go came to fruition Monday night when Vollmer qualified for her third Olympic team. She touched second in the 100-meter butterfly in the U.S. Olympic Trials final in 57.21, just behind Kelsi Worrell. With the top two heading to Rio, Vollmer had her place secured.

"All I needed was first or second," Vollmer said. "I kind of had to had to remind myself of that when I touched the wall. It’s not what I wanted, but honestly as soon as I looked over and I saw Kelsi’s face and saw how excited she was and the tears, it reminded me that second place puts me on this team. It’s what I’ve worked for this whole time. Maybe it wasn’t the time I wanted, but it was the outcome that I needed."

Trending Discussions