“It is what it is. Yesterday was yesterday,” said gold medalist Ryan Lochte.
Thirty-one-year-old Ryan Lochte may be down, but he isn’t out.
“I just have to focus now on and the rest of the meet,” said Lochte.
Lochte is still fighting to secure a spot on the Olympic Team after injuring himself during the 400 IM on Sunday. Nineteen-year-old gold medalist Katie Ledecky on the other hand is as healthy as ever.
“It feels good to get the first one out of the way,” said Ledecky.
Ledecky made a name for herself at just 15-years-old during the 2012 Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha. On Monday morning she cruised into the 400 meter freestyle finals after earning the fastest time.
“Any advice for the young kids who were just like you back in 2012,” asked reporter Emily Szink.
“Just have fun,” said Ledecky.
And just having fun is what some local swimmers are doing.
“Everyone gets so excited and they cheer on the locals because we are such a tight community, it’s just awesome,” said Olivia Calegan.
Lincoln Southwest Senior Olivia Calegan did not get a fast enough time in Monday morning’s 100 meter Breaststroke prelims to move to the semi-finals, but just competing in Omaha in front of her family and friends is already a big win.
“I think every kid growing up dreams of this, but I didn’t think it would ever happen to me,” said Calegan.
Omaha native Jacob Molacek is another local swimmer competing to secure one of 52 spots available on the Olympic Team.
Molacek was a standout while at Creighton Prep. He says even though the competition at the trials is much tougher than it was in high school, he isn’t putting too much pressure on himself. Molacek says he is just enjoying the opportunity.
“It would be a dream come true to be one of those 52, but I think that’s probably a goal reserved for four years from now,” said Molacek.
