The day Dara won silver was like every other race day except this time she was nervous in a different way. At trials Daras nervousness was more like intense stress. She wanted to succeed not only for herself, but for everyone that supported her. 

This time Dara was nervous, but it was more of an excited nervousness. As we stretched and mashed her, the leg that was free would just start to shake! It was hilarious, and even though it was going on it didnt phase her. She would actually carry on a conversation, smiling the whole time while her leg involuntarily would start to shake! Her mother commented on it and we all had a great laugh at Daras expense. Once we were done with Dara she was off in a flash and ready to take charge.

Below: Here are a sequence of pics right before she swam her part of the relay. If you look closely you can see the intense feeling in Daras face. She almost looks to worried, yet like a true champion she snaps out of it when its time to perform.  

Below: the American womans relay team is introduced!

 Below: you can see the pressure of performing well start to show on Daras face.

Below: How does Dara snap out of it? Well, for one thing she's a professional and for a another, it helps when the President is in the audience cheering the U.S. team on!

 Below: action shots of Dara getting ready to take the bull by the horns and claim her spot in History once more!

Below: and here is the end result of 2 years of extremely hard work!

Below: we have pics of family and friends 

This is Dave, Daras partner in life. He is one of the main reasons Dara is able to follow through with her dream of competeing again. Without his love and support for her this journey would have been extremely difficult and stressful! Thanks Dave, your the best! 

Below: Daras beautiful Mother Mary Lou. As you can see Dara gets her great genetics from her!

Below: Most of the Torres clan

left to right: Daras brother in law John, her mother Mary Lou, her sister Lara, her niece Alegra, her nephew Nicholas, her step-father Ed, and her best friend Tommy

Below: The next generation of athletes in the Torres family? 

Below: and here is the very kind but strict gentleman that kicked us out as soon as the event was over and another started.