Former Glendora High School Star Swims for Olympic Glory

While the world will focus their attention on Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, one local swimmer will take a shot at Olympic glory at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials in Omaha, Neb. Monday.

Gretchen Jaques of  Glendora, a University of Texas freshman and a member of Brea Aquatics is entered in the 50 free, 100 and 200 breastroke and the 200 IM.

The former Glendora High School swim star was recognized by Sports Illustrated Magazine as a high school athlete to watch, and was named girls swimmer of the year by the National High School Coaches Association. Nicknamed the Glendoranator during her high school swimming career, Jaques swept in both the 200 individual medley and the 100 breastroke. In 2010, Jaques broke Janet Evans’ 22-year-old national high school record in the 200 individual medley.

In Omaha, Jaques is ranked 49th in the 200 IM, 52nd in the 200 breast, 66th in 100 breast and 96th in the 50 free.

Glendora coach Janet Pollard about Jaques’ chances of an Olympic future: “The opportunity is definitely there for her, depending on how hard she works. She’s mature and very driven and organized.”

NBC will air coverage of the trials starting Monday until July 2.