US Olympic Swimming 2012: 10 Things You Need to Know About Caitlin Leverenz

1 of 12

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Believe it or not, the U.S. Olympic Swimming team consists of more than just Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Missy Franklin. Another American who is looking to medal in London is Caitlin Leverenz.

Swimming in the 200- and 400-meter individual medleys, Leverenz looks to help Team USA win the Games by adding another medal of her own.

While she is a relative unknown at this point because of swimming's tendency to focus on just a few stars, by the end of this list you'll have a much clearer picture of who Leverenz is.

She Used to Be a Dancer

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Caitlin Leverenz wasn't always a swimmer. As a kid she also enjoyed a variety of other activities, including dance.

Leverenz grew up with soccer, gymnastics and ballet, along with her passion for swimming, which started at the age of seven.

Her Nickname Is KK

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Caitlin Leverenz has two younger sisters and a few younger cousins as well, which is where her nickname of KK came from.

Apparently all of the younger members of her family could not say her name when they were little, and it was easier to say KK.

Looks like the name stuck.

She's Found Success at the NCAA Championships

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Caitlin Leverenz has been a great swimmer for years, and the 21-year-old has found an incredible amount of success in the two NCAA Championships that she has been a part of.

While she only won one medal during her first (bronze in the 200-yard breaststroke), she came back and won four golds and a silver during this year's Championships.

The NCAA Championships are almost as competitive as international competitions in swimming, and Leverenz has done extremely well in them.

She's a Yoga Buff

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Caitlin Leverenz has a life outside of the pool as well, and during those rare instances when she isn't in the water, she enjoys doing yoga.

Perhaps reaching inner peace and balance has helped her in the pool. She's been absolutely on fire this year.

She Holds a Meet Record in the Pan American Games

Al Bello/Getty Images

Caitlin Leverenz didn't just do well at the NCAA Championships. In 2007, the 16-year-old Leverenz tore it up at the Pan American Games, taking home a gold medal in the 200m breaststroke.

She didn't just win a medal, however.

Leverenz also broke the meet record with a time of 2 minutes 25.62 seconds.

She Has a Curious Mind

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

While there is no clear statement about this, I think that we can assume Caitlin Leverenz has a curious mind based on her TV preferences.

Her favorite show is MythBusters, which is, as you might have guessed, about testing prominent myths.

If that doesn't tell you that she has a curious mind, I don't know what will.

She Loves Football

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Attending the University of California at Berkeley, Caitlin Leverenz has learned a thing or two about football, and it has become her favorite sport.

She cites the Cal football team as her favorite, and she clearly loves the sport of football.

She Just Missed out on the 2008 Olympic Team

Al Bello/Getty Images

This isn't the first time Caitlin Leverenz is trying to make the U.S. Olympic team. She attempted to earn a spot on the 2008 team and swim in Beijing, but she came up just short.

Leverenz finished third in the 200m breaststroke and fourth in both the 200m and 400m IM.

She finally made the team this year, and she'll look to make the most of it in London.