OMAHA — At her first Olympic trials, Dana Vollmer was upset because she did not win. Never mind that she was 12 years old, the youngest competitor striving to qualify for the United States team in 2000. After she tied for 43rd in the 100-meter butterfly, Vollmer stomped off the pool deck scowling.
“I remember my dad reminding me of the other 54 grown women that a 12-year-old just beat,” Vollmer said with a laugh, “and that made me feel a little better.”