GILLETTE, New Jersey, December 10. AT this time of year, children all over the world are revealing their Christmas wishes to the big guy in red. Erika Erndl, as a 34-year-old defying age in the pool, isn't a kid anymore. Nonetheless, she has a wish at the top of her personal-goal list, and it revolves around a trip to Barcelona next summer. 

The sport has been jam-packed with terrific storylines over the past year, from the exit of Michael Phelps into retirement to the numerous comeback tales dotting the aquatic landscape. Of late, much of the spotlight has been on the exploits of high schoolers, Ryan Murphy and Jack Conger, two youngsters who seem to be can't-miss-stars in the making for the United States. 

Amid these superb storylines, one hasn't received the attention it deserves. While we all know about the legacy of Dara Torres, the ageless wonder who won three silver medals as a 41-year-old at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Erndl has done her own turning back Father Time. As we prepare for the calendar to flip into 2013, Erndl is a contender to represent the United States at the World Championships next summer in Barcelona. 

During her first go-round, as Erika Acuff (maiden name), Erndl was a multi-event standout who went on to enjoy a fine career at the University of North Carolina. There were appearances at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Trials, but her aim of qualifying for the Olympic Games wasn't meant to be. Ultimately, Erndl walked away from the sport. 

Now, she's knocking down lifetime-best performances and looking every bit capable of making a second international squad, complementing her appearance at the 2011 edition of the Pan American Games. Like many athletes in the sport, the itch to return to the water grabbed Erndl a little more than five years ago. The difference for Erndl is the way she is producing best times and, as the cliche goes, getting better with age. 

Read the full story here:  Swimming World Magainze