More locals are set to compete for Olympic status at Wednesday night’s swimming races.
Despite losses Tuesday night by former silver medalist Christine Magnuson and Mike Alexandrov, five more locals will appear in tonight’s races.
Conor Dwyer already has won his ticket to London after finishing second-place in Monday night’s 400-meter race. The Winnetka native came nearly a second behind rival swimmers and friends Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte during the semifinals. But a top finish in the 200-meter could give Dwyer a place in the relays.
Matt Grevers of Lake Forest, swam the fastest time of the night Tuesday completing the 100 backstroke semifinal in 53.10 seconds just moments after watching his fiancée Annie Chandler secure her spot in the women’s 100 breaststroke final.
Ashley Wanland of Long Grove will swim for her ticket to London in the 100-meter breaststroke after she qualified in the top eight during Tuesday night's semifinals.
Glenview native Olivia Smoliga beat out swim star and nine-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin Tuesday to earn her spot in the 100-meter backstroke finals. The 17-year-old Glenbrook South student finished fourth, just behind fellow teen swim star Missy Franklin.
Finally, Matt Conway will compete for a slot in the finals for the 200 butterfly. The Warren, Ill. native needs to finish in the top eight to secure his spot in Thursday’s final event.
Only the top two finishers from each race are selected to make the Olympic team plus four more in the 100-meter and 200-meter races.
