Kaite Hoff: Out of the water, into the limelight

Katie Hoff at US Swimming Olympic Trials (Photo credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, July 8) -- With 34 individual and relay events, swimming in the Olympics is never short of athletes sweeping up multiple medals in one game. That seems to be the objective of young American swimmer, Katie Hoff, who has her eyes on Beijing gold.

At the US Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Nebraska, June 29 through July 6, Hoff earned berths in six Olympic events, including the 400m IM, 400m free, 200m IM, and 800m free. She held the former world record in the 400m IM before it was lost in March 2008 to Stephanie Rice. Hoff reclaimed the record on June 29 with a time of 4:31.12.

Born June 3, 1989, Hoff made her world debut in the 2004 Athens Olympics at the age of 15, placing fifth in the 400m IM and seventh in the 200m IM. She proved herself a year later with three gold medals at the 2007 FINA World championships. Hoff's impressive performance at the championship also earned her the honor of Female Athlete of the Year from USA Swimming, top governing body for the sport in the United States.

A proven track record and consistently stellar performance have also helped Hoff to land a 10-year endorsement deal with Speedo; the longest contact the swimsuit maker has ever signed.

The 19-year-old Californian is soon to make her second showing in the Olympics. Four years since Athens have seen her win world championships and break world records. With six events before her, she is not likely to come back empty handed.