Two North Raleigh swimmers who come from different walks of life share a single goal: to perform well at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials starting June 29 in Nebraska.

Jessica Botzum, 22, a graduate of Cardinal Gibbons High School, is making her second appearance at the Trials. In 2004, as a freshman at Virginia Tech, she placed 10th. This year, she is seeded in the top 20 for her two qualifying events, the 100-and-200-yard breast stroke.

"I can't predict that I'll make the Olympic team, but I am close enough that anything can happen," she said.

Only two swimmers in each event will go to Beijing.

Jason Miller, 24, just completed his first year teaching and coaching at Leesville Road High School. His strenuous job put a dent in his training time since graduating in 2006 from the University of Pittsburgh where he swam for the Panthers.

He stayed in shape, and lately has been working hard to prepare for the trials.

"For the past two months, I have been training every day, working on my technique, fine-tuning my turns, and practicing my breathing pattern," he said.

Miller will compete in the 100-yard butterfly against stars Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker.

"I try to be realistic and acknowledge that my chance of making the Olympics is slim, but knowing that only 120 people in the country even qualified for the trials is enough for me," he said.