Root For...Gil Stovall

Name: Gil Stovall
Age: 22
College/Club: Georgia/Athens Bulldogs
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

Gil Stovall has not just "burst onto the scene" but has been steadily improving over the last four years. This improvement culminated (thus far) in a second place finish in the 200 Butterfly at the Olympic Trials last month. It is tough for any male butterflier to get their due these days since Michael Phelps dominates the 100 and 200 fly, and pretty much has for the last eight years. However Stovall's time of 1:53.86 not only made him the second fastest American in history in that event but also is the second fastest time in the world this year. Stovall is most definitely a medal contender in the race and someone to get behind when the swimming events begin on August 9th.

As has been written here in the past, Stovall is one of the best swimmers when it comes to the last 50 of the 200 fly. At Trials Stovall swam the last 50 of the race in 29.86, over a second faster than everyone in the pool not named Phelps. He used an awesome final turn and breakout to power past the rest of the field and earn the coveted Olympic Team berth.

Take the time to read this great article about Gil and his younger brother Brooks from commercialappeal.com. Each and every one of us can look back on our lives and see times when things were really tough, even if they were completely out of our control. But a true champion is able to stay focused on their goals and continue to strive toward greatness. This story has a happy ending so far and still has the ability to get even better in a couple of weeks.

Root for...Gil Stovall...USA!