Swimmer Kristel Vourna Earns World Championship Berth
6/14/2011 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
June 14, 2011
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama swimmer Kristel Vourna, who capped her freshman year with a trip to the NCAA Championships, has earned a place on the Greek 2011 World Championship team after setting a new national record in the 100-meter butterfly.
"That was just a tremendous swim for Kristel, really outstanding," UA head coach Eric McIlquham said. "She continues to reap the benefits of all the hard work that she put in this year. As she gets better with each swim, I look forward to seeing what she can accomplish at the World Championships and beyond."
Vourna clocked a 58.39 in the 100m butterfly at the recent Banja Luka Open which ranks her 14th in the world. Her time also earned her a spot on the 2012 Greek Olympic squad by bettering the Olympic "A" cut. She will travel to Shanghai, China, for the World Championships which run July 24-31.
She will be joined in Shanghai by former Alabama All-Americans Aaron Fleshner, Mark Randall and Hunor Maté. Fleshner will compete in the diving events for Team USA, while Randall will compete in the distance events for his native South Africa and Maté will represent Austria in the breaststroke events. Several others with Crimson Tide ties will take their shot at a World Championship berth as the summer progresses.
Vourna earned a placed on the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team after finishing fourth in the 100 butterfly in the SEC Championship finals with a school-record time of 52.19. In addition to ranking first all-time in the 100 butterfly, Vourna is also third all-time in the 50 freestyle and fourth in the 100 freestyle.
Players Mentioned
