OMAHA, Neb. — After five days of competition with some of the top swimmers in the world, all three LSU athletes have completed their respective events at the 2008 United States Olympic Team Trials. Senior Katie Gilmore wrapped up Thursday’s action with an appearance in the 100-meter freestyle race at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.
Gilmore swam a time of 58.09 in the 100m free preliminaries, which is less than a second off her personal-best mark of 57.17, but she did not advance.
Junior Stephanie Cota and former LSU standout Kevin Braud each competed in the first four days of the trials. Cota took part in four events during her stay in Omaha, swimming the 400 individual medley, 200 free and 100 and 200 butterflies. Braud participated in the 100 backstroke.
LSU coach Adam Schmitt feels the experience his athletes gained at the competition will pay big dividends in the near future.
“I believe the experience and excitement that came from being at the best meet in the world will undoubtedly transcend to the LSU trials’ competitors, as well as bring added excitement and motivation to the team this fall,” Schmitt said.
With three more days remaining in Omaha, quite a few roster spots on the U.S. Olympic squad remain up for grabs. However, many swimmers from across the world have already qualified to swim for their respective countries at the Beijing Games in August.
The LSU program will be well-represented as two former Tiger greats will compete in the 2008 Olympic Games. Miko Malberg, one of the school’s greatest freestyle swimmers, will represent his native country of Estonia, and Heather Brand, a former Lady Tiger All-American, will swim for her homeland of Zimbabwe.
Be sure to log on to www.LSUsports.net when the games draw near for updates on these two competitors as both strive for Olympic greatness.