Amanda at the Improv

OMAHA -- Giddy on Monday, joking around with reporters. Goofy on Tuesday morning, clowning around on the pool deck with old Orange Country friend Kaitlin Sandeno before their morning heat in the 200 individual medley, almost treating the U.S. Olympic swim trials like an age-group meet.

Clearly, Amanda Beard is enjoying life in Omaha, despite an active schedule, the final of the 100-meter breaststroke tonight and then the semifinals of the 200 individual medley. This trials is where she will sink or swim.

"You know what's funny. I'm 26, so I'm not an old lady," Beard said. "But walking around the pool deck, I'm an old lady. I look at [17-year-old] Caitlin Leverenz and she was like five when I was swimming in '96. That makes me feel old."

Relief arrived in the form of 41-year-old Dara Torres, who showed up at the trials.

"I know, 'Dara, finally you're here,' " Beard said, joking.

Said Torres, on Tuesday: "And I was wondering why she gave me a long hug and was happy to see me."

-- Lisa Dillman

Photo: Amanda Beard stretches before her semifinal heat of the 100 meter breaststroke on Monday. Credit: Jamie Squire / Getty Images

Comments

[Tage]

That is really intriguing to think about. It's amazing how good young athletes are these days. "She was like five when I was swimming in '96." What a statement.