OMAHA, Nebraska – For the third time in a row, Omaha, Nebraska, is at the center of the swimming world.
The country's best swimmers are taking center stage in their bid to represent the U.S. at the Olympics in Rio.
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"A lot of the athletes that we have that really have a chance to make the Olympic team were here 4 years ago,"
said Timothy Bauer, head coach of The Woodlands swim team.
Among the country's fastest swimmers are several from the Houston area, including Simone Manuel, Camille Adams and Michael McBroom, all of whom Tim Bauer has coached and watched grow up in the sport.
"It's a really good bond between all the athletes of the area," Bauer said. "They've gone to camps together, they've gone on trips together. They're a really good group of kids."
As swimmers compete for their spots on Team USA, a familiar face hit the pool Tuesday night.
Michael Phelps finished first in men's 200 meter butterfly to advance to the finals.
"You know, you get excited," Phelps said. "I was able to sit in the booth for the first few days. I felt the nerves and the excitement and that energy kind of running through me."
Phelps said he's looking forward to his next few races, along with many new swimmers who are ready to compete.
"(It's) exciting to have new faces of people really pumped to come up in the sport. I think that's a good thing for me to see on my way out," said Phelps.
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