WHEN Nikki Peterson touched the wall at the NAIA Swimming and Diving National Championships in the 100 yard backstroke, all she knew for sure was that the finish was close.

AFTER hanging near the leaders for 90 yards, Peterson zoomed to the front in the last 10 and won by a finger's length in time, also setting a new program record (59.41).

IT was only a few seconds before the scoreboard flashed the results showing the sophomore from El Cajon, Calif. had provided John Brown University with its first-ever swimming national champion.

THERE are not many ways to become an individual national champion unless the person is willing to work. For Peterson, practice became an unwavering discipline. The desire to be the best was a goal to try and reach ... as close as the tip of her finger.