Hannah Saiz (L) and Julia Wilson (R) are set to compete in the Olympic Trials
which start this coming Sunday in Omaha.
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GAMBIER, Ohio – Current Kenyon College Ladies swimmer
Julia Wilson and former team member Hannah Saiz '13 qualified to compete in the upcoming Olympic Trials which will begin Sunday, June 26 in Omaha, Nebraska. The event serves as the only selection meet for the U.S. Olympic Swim Team competing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Wilson, a rising junior, will take part in the 100-meter breaststroke event while Saiz will race in both the 100-meter and 200-meter butterfly competitions.
The Ladies' appearances in Omaha will mark the ninth consecutive time, dating back to 1984, that the Kenyon swimming program has had swimmers compete in the Olympic Trials.
"It is an honor to have two Kenyon swimmers represented in this year's meet, and to be able to support their goals," head coach
Jess Book said. "Both Hannah and Julia have earned this opportunity—not only through their performances, but far more importantly through their willingness to dream big and work tirelessly toward their dreams."
The Olympic Trials are arguably the most competitive meet in the world in terms of depth. During the meet, there will be semifinals for events 200 meters and shorter, and only the top eight will advance to the 'A' final. After that, winners of each individual event will assure themselves a spot in the Olympics, while a runner-up spot puts a swimmer in a position to be selected as an alternate.
Both Saiz and Wilson are thrilled for the opportunity.
"I'm incredibly excited just to be there on deck with swimmers who I have admired my whole life," said Wilson. "We all have different goals for these trials, but I'm honestly just grateful to get another opportunity to compete in such an exciting environment."
Saiz added, "I like the fact that I'll be representing Division III. I'm excited to compete at my best, against the best, at the best of all possible times."