What does it feel like to finish third at Olympic trials?

Above is Davis Tarwater, a guy who placed third at Olympic trials behind Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker in the 100m 'fly.

I have to add that Davis Tarwater is a remarkable swimmer and he probably could have made any other Olympic team.

From the New York Times: "...Hayley McGregory knows that feeling, too. Third in both backstroke events at the 2004 trials, McGregory broke Natalie Coughlin’s world record in the women’s 100 backstroke preliminaries Monday, only to have Coughlin take it back in the next heat. One night later, in the final, McGregory faded to third behind Coughlin and Margaret Hoelzer. From euphoria to sadness, in 36 hours. ..." [Link]