Welcome to the world of elite swimming with all its competitiveness and comradery—and sometimes much, much more.

It's here that American swimming star Angie Thomson and Australian prodigy Hannah Clark—both the youngest on their respective teams—form a fast friendship that grows into something much deeper. As they train for the World Championships, the long-distance sweethearts exchange loving letters and lengthy phone calls—until Angie suddenly and unexpectedly severs their relationship, leaving Hannah confused and devastated.

Years later, as Hannah trains for a comeback at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, she is shocked to learn that that Angie has been hired by the Australian coaching team. Although Hannah is still frustrated by Angie's unexplained actions, the two athletes slowly form a tentative bond and get to know each other again—this time as adults. The story could end here if it wasn't for the intense attraction Hannah and Angie still feel for each other, now propelled to a higher level by a steamy kiss in a hotel swimming pool. Is it possible for them to win each other's love or are they just treading water?