After winning bronze in the 100 fly at the 2013 World Championships, Dana Vollmer did not compete for almost two years. After giving birth to a son, Arlen, Vollmer returned to training with the Cal women’s team and eventually to competition, swimming the 100 fly at the LA Invite in July and again on Thursday at U.S. Nationals.
Vollmer finished fourth in the race, clocking a season-best time of 58.94. She spoke extensively afterwards about what it has taken for her to balance being a mother with training, including her daily routine for caring for her son on race day. She also explained why she found her way back to the pool after her long layoff and shared her emotions following Sarah Sjostrom breaking her 100 fly world record earlier this week.