16-Year-Old Cassidy Bayer Dives into Olympic Training

December 29, 2015

High school sophomore and youngest member of the US National Team, Cassidy Bayer of Nation’s Capital Swim Club is preparing for her first-ever Olympic Trials.

Bayer was born in Northern Virginia in 1999, and had great success in swimming from an early age. She held National Age Group (NAG) records in the 11-12 100 and 200 meter fly, broke the NAG 13-14 200 fly record that stood for 34 years, and was the youngest swimmer to compete at the 2013 US World Championship Trials.

Bayer’s optimistic and enthusiastic attitude allows her to bounce back quickly and wholeheartedly from defeat. She had the opportunity to train with Ryan Lochte at the Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs, and “there was not one dull moment in practice when I was swimming with her,” Lochte said.

Now, Bayer must physically and mentally prepare herself for Olympic Trials this summer in Omaha, Nebraska. Only the top two swimmers in each event advance to the Olympics, and she currently swims the fourth-fastest women’s 200 meter fly in the country. She definitely has the talent and determination to swim in the Olympics, and if not this year, then in 2020.

Bayer has several disadvantages in the pool. She is shorter than most swimmers, developed exercise-induced asthma, and is missing a muscle in her shoulder. These setbacks make her achievements even more impressive.

Bayer’s warm and positive personality, incredible talent, and ability to overcome many physical obstacles make her a perfect example of a woman who stands out in swimming!