Dagny Knutson Preparing for Olympic Attempt

She swims four hours on most days - a total of 37 miles per week - with one goal in mind to qual...  More »

She swims four hours on most days - a total of 37 miles per week - with one goal in mind to qualify for the Olympic Games in China. Dagny Knutson of Minot is putting in hours, both in the pool and on weight and running machines, in hopes of reaching that goal. The next step in the high school sophomore's quest is the Olympic Trials in June in Omaha. That's where some 700 swimmers will be competing for 52 slots on the US Olympic Swim Team. She's qualified for the Trials in five different events, but says she's likely to focus on two or three at the week-long meet. (Dagny Knutson, Minot Swimmer) "I heard it's probably one of the funnest meets that you could ever go to. I'm excited to see some past Olympians swim and see how they do too." (Anybody in particular you're looking forward to seeing?) "Michael Phelps is really fast. Everyone wants to see him I guess." The 16-year old Knutson is currently ranked tenth in the nation in the 200 meter individual medley. Knutson's family is footing the bills associated with Dagny's Olympic quest, but there have been some funds established to help them meet the expenses. A North Dakota group is selling window cling-signs, and a fund has been started at First Western Bank. The Olympic Trials run in late June and early July in Omaha.  « Less