Nocher: I have learned so much

BEIJING was to be a learning curve for Melanie Nocher, a chance to dip her toes in Olympic waters and lay the groundwork for an assault on the London Games in 2012.

Some of the lessons learned have been harsh, like the fiasco of clouded goggles and controversial swim hats that overshadowed her freestyle heats earlier this week.

But then there were the priceless nuggets she has picked up from swapping notes in the schoolyard of the best swimmers in the world.