Young Dana Vollmer fans filled Buffalo Bros in Fort Worth to watch the Granbury phenom swim the 100m fly.
They are members of the Fort Worth Area Swim Team that Vollmer was on when she became the youngest swimmer to make the U.S. Olympic trials.
"She's such a good swimmer, and I just love the fact that she used to swim on our swim team," said 8-year-old Maddie Edwards.
Her former long-time coach Ron Forrest was with a new crop of students watching Vollmer take gold in record breaking time. He said her success makes her a real-life hero to others walking in her path.
"Dana swam here," said Forrest. "She walked on the same deck as they walk on. As young swimmers they have all the same dreams that she had when she was young."
Julia Anderson came in 16th at this year's Olympic trials and has her sights set on 2016.
"It just makes it seem more tangible," said Anderson. "I guess, seeing someone I know make the Olympic team and set the world record."
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"It's like, 'Oh, maybe I can do that'," said Anderson.
