Freshman diver Erin Savas has had her sights on the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics since she was young.

The freshman narrowly missed out on making the Beijing Games by four places in qualifying, but she is currently training for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Savas has been diving since she was 5 years old, and she has participated in many international diving events, including the World Cup in Beijing this past year.

Both Savas and her coach, Greg Triefenbach, are from Cypress.

She has been diving in the United States for the past three years and has always been in the top 12 in the nation.

“[Savas] truly enjoys diving, which makes it more enjoyable for me,” Triefenbach said. “The reason she competes internationally is because she dives better than most do. She has always been a great competitor.”

The freshman’s resume includes Junior and Senior meets, three Junior World Championships and numerous other international competitions.

She won the U.S. Open four years ago and placed fourth in an international competition in Germany.

Savas was invited to the 2008 FINA World Cup just six days before the event.

Triefenbach said she was not ready physically, which resulted in placing 38 out of 47 divers.

“We didn’t get the place we wanted, but I consider that event our biggest victory,” Triefenbach said. “I was just absolutely amazed by the courage she had despite being completely unprepared. Of all the years I have been coaching Erin, this was when I was most proud of her.”

The duo has been together for four years, and Triefenbach said Savas has always been “great to work with and very positive.” Currently, Savas is training at the St. Louis Diving Club.

In addition to international competitions, Savas and Triefenbach are preparing for the Saint Louis University swimming and diving season, which is slated to begin on Sunday, Sept. 28, with the Blue and White meet.

Savas was not available for comment as of press time.