More than anything, Randall Bal wanted to break 54.0 in the 100m backstroke. So, he put his mind, and body, to it. He learned a little more about swimming the event at every meet, making adjustments along the way. A year later, he finished the 100m backstroke in 53.91 seconds, a new personal best. Today, he's the 2007 World Cup Champion.

World Championships Medals
2006
Bronze 100m backstroke (scm)

2005
Silver 100m backstroke
Gold 400m medley relay

Pan Am Games
2007
Gold 100m backstroke
Gold 400m medley relay

For more on Randall, visit mutualofomaha.com/usaswim.