Westby qualifies for Olympic Trials

Mike Ludwig
April 6, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Just weeks after a trio of top three finishes at the NCAA's, including his second straight national title in the 200 Individual Medley, St. Olaf junior Nelson Westby met another career milestone on Saturday when he qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials with his 1:03.9 swim in the 100 Meter Breaststroke at the Ohio State Grand Prix Invitational in Columbus, Ohio.

Westby is one of about 50 that will qualify in the 100 Breast for the Trials, which will run in July in Omaha, Neb.

The event will determine who the U.S. will send to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in China.

Westby broke three school records at the NCAA's to help St. Olaf to sixth place as a team, which was the Olesý best finish since 1991-92.

He won the 200 IM in 1:48.54, finished second in the 100 Breast with a :54.50 and was third in the 200 Breast. His time in the 100 Breast was .01 off the winning time and broke the previous NCAA Division III record.

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.