But Stewart, who graduated from Durham Jordan last spring and swam at the Olympic Trials last week in Omaha, Neb., won't be swimming for the U.S. team.

Her time of 2 minutes, 19.57 seconds in the 200-meter individual medley was good enough to earn a place on Colombia's team. (She has dual citizenship.)

"It was such a shocker," said Stewart, who said the backstroke is her best event.

There is an Olympic qualifying time for all countries, but the competition varies from country to country.

Stewart, whose father was born in Colombia, has experience with the country's national team.

"I've swam with them before," she said, recalling that in 2006, she trained with the national team for two months.

She'll meet up with the team in New York this month en route to Beijing.

Stewart is a member of the Marlins of Raleigh Swim Team, which sent seven members to the U.S. Olympic trials.

Even though she lives in Durham, she joined the club in April 2007 to work with Paul Silver, the club's leader.

"I give all my credit to Paul," Stewart said. "I've improved so much since I joined the Marlins of Raleigh."

In the fall, Stewart will attend the University of Virginia.