The 2008 Beijing Olympics were within reach for a number of Husky swimmers last summer, and although they fell just short, the majority will be back in the water for the Huskies with just as much speed and determination as brought them to the Olympic trials to begin with.

Leading the women will be sophomore Ariana Kukors, who swims both the backstroke and butterfly but is strongest in the individual medley event. Even though she was just out-touched at the wall in the Olympic qualifier, Kukors wasn’t discouraged. Instead, she went on to win gold in the 200-meter individual medley last summer during the 2008 U.S. Open swimming championships in Minneapolis, Minn.

The relays will also be an asset for the Huskies this season, especially the 4-by-100 meter relay team made up of junior Erin Campbell, senior Genevieve Patterson, sophomore Emilee Jennings and freshman Lindsey Sharp. The group placed 10th at the U.S. Open.

If finishes at the most recent U.S. Open swim meet are any consolation for the upcoming season, the Husky men should also have a well-rounded field of swimmers.

Sophomores Andre Blyth, Scott Spansail and Jon Banker all finished in the top 20 at the U.S. Open in all their events, providing Washington with reliable performers in the backstroke, butterfly and freestyle.

A potential weakness for the Huskies may come in the various freestyle events.

This gap should be filled by the incoming freshmen, who have made waves for their high-school teams.

Most notable is Tommy Cunningham, of Federal Way, Wash., who specializes in both the 100- and 200-meter freestyle distances. He placed in the top five for both events during the Class 4A State Championships last year.

With a veteran who fell just shy of an Olympic bid but still has her best years of swimming ahead of her and a crew of freshmen with an enormous amount of potential, the Husky swimming program is looking to make a splash not only in the Pac-10, but at the NCAA level as well.

Reach reporter Sheena Nguyen at sports@dailyuw.com.