SOLVED. Young female swimmer set in the 1950s/1960s going for the Olympics, friend/boyfriend dies in an accident, leaves her with a tear pendant [s]

[Sandra]

Hi,
I really need help on this book:
I thought the title of this book was "Andy's tear" but I can't find anything searching for this title. I've read the book maybe 15 years ago, but I think it might have been written in the 1980s.
It takes place somewhere in the US, a young girl in high school, is an avid swimmer and trying out for the olympics. She feels left out or like an outcast at her school for being tall and athletic. The popular girl at school is also an avid swimmer and in competition with her, and the main girl seems to envy her for being petite and "girly". The main character has a friend/boyfriend (I think named Andy), who dies tragically - on a bike ride he was hit by a car. "Andy" leaves a necklace with possibly a tear pendant for the main character who wears it all the time and gives her motivation when she has a swimming competition.
I think there was a movie made from this book, but I'm not entirely sure.
If anyone can give me any information on this book, I'd really appreciate it - absolutely loved readig it and would love to read it again.
Thanks!

[Andria]

In Lane Three, Alex Archer (which was also published as "Alex" and has a few sequels, is about a teen girl swimmer, trying out for the olympics and (view spoiler)[ her boyfriend dies (hide spoiler)] but I think it's set in New Zealand.

Edit: further Google Books searching confirms the boyfriend's name was Andy and gave her a necklace she called "Andy's tear."

[Sandra]

I think you're right! Thanks so much :)

[Andria]

You're welcome!