Ex-Glad swimmer qualifies for Olympic trials

Former Chabot swimming standout Neal Hamilton has returned to the Bay Area in style.

Last Friday at the Santa Clara International Grand Prix, Hamilton qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 400 meter individual medley with a time of 4:30.03, just 46 hundredths of second under the qualifying standard.

"I was really excited," said Hamilton. "It's just awesome to be a part of it [Olympic trials], and to be able to swim with the best in the world.

"It's like a dream come true." After transferring to Brigham Young University two years ago, Hamilton has enjoyed an illustrious Division I collegiate swimming career.

Just this past February, Hamilton won a Mountain West Conference title in the 400 IM. He also finished an impressive fourth in the 200 IM.

But according to Gladiator head coach Greg Kubicki, who has coached Hamilton since his Alameda High School days, nothing tops his latest feat.

"You're talking about literally a handful of swimmers who make it to that level [Olympic trials], so that's quite a feather to stick in your cap."

During his tenure at Chabot from 2005-2006, Hamilton broke several team records and received numerous other accolades, including the title of California Community College Co-Swimmer of the Year.

This year's U.S. Olympic trials commence June 29, in Omaha, Neb. and will be aired on NBC and USA Network.