Road to Beijing starts in Great Falls

A 2006 graduate of Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Ziegler is considered one of the top female distance swimmers in the world. She has broken several American records previously held by swimming legend Janet Evans.

Great Falls, Va (Arlington Catholic Herald) - The road to Beijing started in Great Falls last Sunday evening for Olympic-hopeful Kate Ziegler.

At the neighborhood pool where she took her first strokes as a competitive swimmer 15 years ago, family and friends gathered to wish her good luck as she prepared to leave for Omaha, Neb., and the U.S. Olympic Trials that begin there Sunday.

Competing in the Olympic Trials can be more nerve-racking than the Olympics themselves. Although she is favored to represent the U.S. in both the 400- and 800-meter freestyle events, Ziegler knows there are no guarantees. Even superstar Michael Phelps, considered to be one of the greatest swimmers in history, has to earn his spot this week on the U.S. squad.

Ziegler came up short as a 16-year-old high school junior at her first Olympic Trials in 2004. She finished fifth in the 400-freestyle and fourth in the 800-freestyle. Only the top two swimmers in each event make the Olympic team. She currently is seeded first in the 800 and second to Katie Hoff in the 400.

A 2006 graduate of Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Ziegler is considered one of the top female distance swimmers in the world. She has broken several American records previously held by swimming legend Janet Evans.

Among those in attendance at last weekend's gathering in Great Falls were O'Connell President Barry Breen and varsity swim coach Evan Stiles. Ziegler's longtime club coach, Ray Benecki, will travel with Ziegler to Omaha and will probably be named to the U.S. coaching staff should Ziegler make the squad.

The Washington area will be well-represented in Omaha. In addition to Ziegler, other top swimmers include Tom Koucheravy, Matt Benecki, Matt McLean, Andy Brake, Brady Fox, Sean Stewart, Ryan Hurley, Ashley Danner and Mei Christenson.

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Republished by Catholic Online with permission of the Arlington Catholic Herald , the official publication of the Diocese of Arlington, Va. (www.catholicherald.com).