Kenyon College Ladies swimmer Julia Wilson ’18 and former team member Hannah Saiz '13 qualified to compete in the upcoming Olympic Trials, which 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, from Bethesda, Maryland, 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 ’01 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 whom I have admired my whole life," Wilson said. "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."