Community Corner

Mag's Fins Falter in Finals, 'Ready for Some Freestyle'

Christine Magnuson may not have a place on the U.S. Swimming Team when it comes to the 100-meter butterfly. But she has two more chances to swim in the upcoming Olympic games.

missed her first shot Tuesday night at the 2012 U.S. Summer Olympics. But she's not letting it weigh her down.

The 26-year-old graduate said she's got her eyes set on the next two opportunities to hop on board the nation's swimming team.

"My strategy was to take it out as fast as I could to give myself an opportunity for one of the spots," Magnuson told the Chicago Tribune, following Tuesday's finals. "That was all I can do right now. I'm not going to regret that next week, not in a year, not in 20 years. I'm just going to get ready for some freestyle."

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Watch the accompanying YouTube video for insight on Magnuson's "'aha' moment," as presented by one of her sponsors, Mutual of Omaha. 

Magnuson needed to finish first or second out of eight in to qualify for the team. Though she came out strong, she clenched a sixth-place spot in the lone heat with a time of 58.6 seconds.

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Swimmer Dana Vollmer took first with 56.50 seconds, followed by Claire Donahue with 57.57. Vollmer set at U.S. record of 56.42 in the same race during Monday night's semifinals.

Magnuson now has two days off from trials. She'll next be competing June 29-30 in the 100-meter freestyle and then July 1-2 in the 50-meter freestyle.

Her parents, Geri and Bill, and sister Jackie, among other friends and family members, are cheering her on in Omaha. 

For more information about Christine, read . For details on the schedule and what she's swimming, read .

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