What a Bummer! Minnetonka Swimmer David Plummer Nearly Makes Olympics

A room full of Minnetonka Swim Club kids and their supportive parents watched their hero compete in an attempt to become an Olympic swimmer on Wednesday evening.

As they watched Plummer swim, the "Nerditorium" at the Nerdery in Bloomington was full of cheers and high hopes.

At the U.S. Olympic swimming trial final, the first two finishers in each race make the Olympic team. Plummer finished third in the men's 100-meter backstroke.

Matt Grevers won the race in 52.08, and Nick Thoman finished second in 52.86.

However, Plummer finished with a personal best of 52.98 seconds.

Lorrie Seylar, from Minnetonka, was one of the parents who stopped by to watch the race with the club.  

"It's a really sad thing because David has worked so hard and been such an outstanding role model to all the kids," Seylar said. "They say that a hundredth of a second is the top of your fingertip."

He may not have made it to the Olympics, but he has won the hearts of swimmers in Minnetonka. 

"This whole thing is hugely inspirational to all of them," said Barbara McGongle, the mom of three Minnetonka Swim Club swimmers. "It gives the kids an opportunity to see the best and to see that with a lot of hard work they can acheive their goals."

McGongle said no matter what the age of the swimmer, from beginner to those who swim daily on Minnetonka's national team, they've all been positively affected by Plummer's Olympic attempt.

Plummer was the high school girls' assistant swim coach this past season, and Meghan Heldt found his experience helpful in her swimming.

"He's a great guy and really enthusiastic," Heldt said. "He has great tips about swimming."

Lucy Rowland has also been coached by Plummer, and she said she's been lucky enough to get to swim with him.

"He's a great guy to look up to," she said. "He's always willing to help you. It's a great reminder of what you can possibly do in swimming."

The evening was bittersweet for the swim club. Plummer may not have made it, but Rachel Bootsma, 18 from Eden Prairie, will travel to the London Games with a second-place finish in the 100-meter backstroke.