Alex Coville was a strong competitor throughout his high school career and his college career.

Now, he’s working on the next step.

With his high school and college careers in the books, Coville is focusing on competing against the top swimmers in the country. He will compete in this week’s U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” said Coville. “It’s been a long road coming here.”

Since graduating from Stanford, Coville has focused strongly on the Olympic trials. He didn’t compete in the 2008 trials.

“Since finishing college, it’s been nice to concentrate on nothing but swimming,” said Coville. “I’m a little intimidated by it, but I’m feeling good about it.”

Coville said the atmosphere is much different than anything he’s been a part of.

“A normal high school or college swim meet is pretty low key,” said Coville, “Whereas here, there’s a lot of pomp and circumstance.”

Coville’s mother Beverly is just one of the many local supporters cheering on the swimmer as he tries to become the second Roman to qualify for the London Games. Janet Cherobon-Bawcom earned a berth in the Olympics last weekend.

“It’s a very tough competition,” said Coville’s mother Beverly. “We’re all hoping he can swim his best. He’s had a good year of training — a good many years of training, but he’s really focused on it this year with no distractions. We’re wishing the best for him.”

The events began Monday and will continue through July 2. Coville will compete in the 100-meter freestyle and the 50-meter freestyle. The 100-meter freestyle heats will take place Thursday morning. The semifinals will take place that evening, and the finals will be Friday. The 50-meter freestyle heats take place Saturday morning, followed by the semifinals Saturday evening and the finals Sunday.