Aug. 3, 2012

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LONDON -

Two former Cal men's swimming stars - Milorad Cavic of Serbia and Anthony Ervin of the United States - barely missed out on opportunities to be on the victory stand Friday (Aug. 3) at the London Olympics. Cavic, who in 2008 was out-touched at the wall by USA's Michael Phelps in the 100 fly gold, finished fourth in the 100 fly at the 2012 Olympics with a time of 51.81. Ervin, returning to Olympic action for the first time since winning the 50 free gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games, was fifth in today's 50 free final with a mark of 21.78.

Cavic (2003-06) actually had the third fastest time in the finals of the 100 fly, but was not able to receive the bronze medal. Michael Phelps again won the 100 fly with a time of 51.21 Friday, while South Africa's Chad le Close and Russia's Evgeny Korotyshkin tied for the silver at 51.44. Cavic had the same time as Germany's Steffen Deibler for a fourth-place tie.

Ervin (2000-03) had a noble effort in the 50 free 12 years after winning the gold medal in a tie with American Gary Hall, Jr. with a time of 21.98. Now at age 31, Ervin actually swam faster in this Olympic final with his 21.78. France's Florent Manaudou won the 50 free in London with a time of 21.34.

Cal men's swimming has another chance to be represented on the Olympic victory stand one more time as the Americans have the fastest time (3:32.65) entering Saturday's final of the 400 medley relay. Nathan Adrian, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist in the 100 free, is scheduled to swim the freestyle leg of Team USA's 400 medley relay. Earlier in the London games, Adrian led-off the American's 400 free relay that won the silver medal.