Sophomore Chris Swanson’s ninth-place finish in the 1650 free was the first top-10 finish for a male Penn swimmer at the NCAA Championships since 1993, and only the second ever.
Credit: Aaron CampbellOne year later, Chris Swanson is back for more.
After competing at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships in 2013, the Penn sophomore will once again do battle with the nation’s top swimmers after a stellar sophomore campaign.
As a freshman, Swanson competed in the 500-yard and 1650-yard freestyle events at the NCAA Championships. The rookie came in 33rd in the 1650 free with a time of 15:12.85 and placed 44th in the 500 free as a result of his 4:23.89 time.
This time around, Swanson will participate in the same two events when the Championships take place in Austin, Texas from March 27 through March 29. Swanson will compete in the 500 free on Thursday before wrapping up his time in Austin with the 1650 free on Saturday.
Swanson enters the Championships fresh off an incredible effort at the 2014 Ivy League Championships. The Tampa, Fla. native won both the 500 and 1650 free events at the championship meet.
Swanson’s 14:54.07 mark in the 1650 free not only helped him capture first place, but also allowed him to smash the meet, pool and his own Penn record in the event.
The sophomore’s victories at the Ivy Championships helped him earn the Phil Moriarty High Point Swimmer of the Meet award.
However, having improved upon his times from a year ago, Swanson certainly will be looking to add to his trophy case when he competes at the NCAA Championships this weekend.
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