Magnuson grew up swimming and was the two-time Illinois state champion in the 100-yard freestyle. At UT, she holds eight school records, was SEC Swimmer of the Year and won the 2008 NCAA title in the 100-meter butterfly.
During the Olympic trials, she was third at the 50-meter mark, but pulled ahead to win the 100-meter butterfly.
In her profile on nbcolympics.com she said, "If you had asked me two or three years ago if I was going to make the Olympics, I would have given you a very strange look."
Magnuson was one of the Olypmic athletes that participated in Oprah's season premiere Olympic special in Millenium Park. Tinley Park will host a parade for Magnuson on Sept 28.
