Seven current and former members of the BYU men and women’s swimming teams returned from the U.S. Olympic Trials. Although none made the team, they returned after making a strong showing.
Brandon Watson, a recently graduated senior and All-American, competed in the Diving Trials held in Federal Way, Wash. He competed in the 3-meter springboard and finished with a six dive score of 1116.25 points. Going up against the best in the world, he finished ranked 11th overall in the country.
“We are proud for Brandon making it to the Olympic Trials,” diving coach Keith Russell said. “He did a great job of competing against some of the best divers in the world.”
The other six swimmers competed in the Olympic Trials held in Omaha, Neb. They put together a strong showing against some of the best swimmers in the world.
Kimberly Welch Doroghian, a junior-to-be, competed in the 100-meter butterfly. She finished the heat in a time of 1:02.69. Hailey Campbell, a junior-to-be and a transfer from Penn State swam in the 100-meter backstroke. She finished with a time of 1:06.42.
Preston Jenkins, an incoming freshman from Georgia competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke. He was ranked in the top 30 for the 100 back and finished with a time of 56.78. In the 200 back, he was ranked in the top 16 and finished in a time of 2:03.67.
Brent Murray, a sophomore transfer from Utah competed in the 50-meter freestyle and the 100-meter freestyle. He completed the 50 free with a time of 23.24. He finished the 100 free in a time of 50.79. With his time, Murray moved up 40 spots in the overall rankings from where he entered the Trials.
Candice Smith, a graduated senior, competed in her second U.S. Olympic Trials and swam the 200-meter backstroke. She finished in a time of 2:19.33 and swam under both her club teams.
“It was so great to see these great athletes compete against the best in the country,” head coach John Brooks said. “They competed well and it was great to get some exposure for both the team and for BYU. We are proud of our former athletes and are excited for what the returning members will do for our program next year.”
