Olympics to feature several VT swimmers
Quite a few international college athletes represent their countries in the Olympics, but Virginia Tech’s swimming and diving program takes it to another level.
That’s especially true regarding Spain, whose men’s contingent in Paris this summer figures to have a lot of guys who know about Lane Stadium, Cassell Coliseum and perhaps Top of the Stairs in Blacksburg.
They swam their way into the Olympics via their performances at the World Aquatic Championships from Feb. 11-18 in Doha, Qatar.
Mario Molla Yanes was sixth in the 50-meter butterfly in 23.29 and seventh in the 100 fly in 51.72. Carles Coll Marti was ninth in the 200 breaststroke at 2:10.77. Luis Dominguez and Molla Yanes were part of the 4×200 freestyle relay, which placed eighth in 7:11.65.
All three of those men were part of the 4×100 free relay, which was eighth in 3:14.93. Yet another Spanish Hokie, Carmen Weiler Sastre, placed ninth in the 100 backstroke in 1:00.81. Meanwhile, Tech alum Ian Ho of Hong Kong set a national record and qualified for Paris with a preliminary time of 21.83 in the 50-meter freestyle.
In 20-meter high diving, American Kaylea Arnett of the U.S. placed fourth with 300.05 points to earn her spot.
Speaking of swimming: And even as well as Virginia Tech has fared, it’s ridiculous how well the Virginia women are doing. UVA has won the past three NCAA championships, and that domination shows no sign of stopping.
Thursday in Greensboro, North Carolina, Gretchen
Walsh won her fourth gold medal of the ACC championships by setting the NCAA, American and U.S. Open record in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 48.25 seconds.
Walsh also posted records in the 50 free (20.77) and was on UVA’s record-setting 200 freestyle relay (1:23.63). During that relay, she swam a split of 19.95 to become the first woman to ever break 20 seconds.
National impact: We already mentioned that former Cox High and William & Mary athlete Chris Albiston is competing for Team USA in beach soccer. So is goalkeeper Austin Gregory, 26, a former Hickory High and Randolph College goalkeeper. According to beachsoccer.com, he’s 4-4 and has played in 13 matches for the Americans.
This week in Dubai, he made his Beach Soccer World Cup debut against Egypt and scored his first international goal — a laser of a right-footed kick that beat his diving counterpart. It was the final game in the event for the U.S., which fell 5-4.
Facing Messi: Former Lionsbridge FC defender Emeka Eneli, a former Cornell standout, has earned a starting spot for Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake franchise.
When MLS opened its season Wednesday night, he was playing against Inter Miami … and Lionel Messi, this era’s greatest player. Messi had an assist as Inter Miami won 2-0.
What’s coming up
Tuesday: It’s one of the bigger midweek days of the year in local college baseball. Nationally ranked East Carolina visits Old Dominion, while Norfolk State plays William & Mary at Plumeri Park. Both games are at 3 p.m. … At night, VHSL basketball quarterfinals will take place.
Wednesday: The Coastal Athletic Association swimming championships begin at the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex.
Friday: ODU starts a baseball series at home against Charlotte at 2 p.m. and closes its women’s basketball regular season with a 6:30 “Royal Rivalry” home game against Sun Belt rival James Madison. … VHSL basketball semifinals will be held in the area and around the state.