Gyorgy finishes 14th in 200 IM at World University Games

Also, former Tech track and field athletes Tomas Kruzliak and Irena Sediva qualify for the finals of their respective events

August 23, 2017

(Virginia Tech swimmer Klaudia Nazieblo is competing at the 2017 World University Games held in Taipei, Taiwan from Aug. 19-30 and will be submitting a blog with updates on how those with Virginia Tech ties are faring. This is the second one.)

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Our Hokies don’t slow down, as Tuesday brought us another wave of successes at the World University Games held here in Taipei!

With qualification to the afternoon swim of the 200-meter individual medley, Reka Gyorgy finished 14^th overall with time of 2 minutes, 17.25 seconds. Klaudia Nazieblo finished her performance in morning prelims of the 100 backstroke, placing 17^th and just missing qualification for the afternoon swim by two-hundredths of a second. Our incoming freshman, Gershwin Greene, competed in another swimming event, this time on a longer distance – the 1,500 freestyle.

Also, another great game for our Hokie, Vanessa Panousis, who led the Australian team to a 69-47 win over Argentina on Tuesday. She had five points, six assists and three rebounds in the victory. However, she did not have an easy task on Wednesday afternoon while playing against the Russian Federation, who, in the end, won by a score of 63-58. Panousis had two assists in the game.

Today [Wednesday], we had a chance to cheer for both track and field athletes, as both successfully qualified to the finals.

Tomas Kruzliak, a Tech graduate from Slovakia, finished sixth Wednesday to qualify for Thursday’s final in the men’s hammer throw. His best throw was a distance of 66.44 meters.

“This season, my goal was to qualify for the University Games. I would like to go through qualifications and finish in top 12,” Kruzliak said. “I really like this meet since the setup is almost like the Olympic Games – but for students. You can get a feel of what would it be like at the Olympics. I am honored to represent Slovakia and Virginia Tech at a meet like this.”

After an hour delay because of rain, we finally could see our NCAA Champion, Irena Sediva, competing in the women’s javelin throw. Her best distance of 54.25 meters let her qualify for Friday’s final, as she finished in 10^th position.

“I am very excited to compete here,” Sediva said. “Even though my time at Virginia Tech is over, I still have a chance to leave some mark in here for Virginia Tech. I am proud to represent the Czech Republic, but it is more important to me right now to represent the Hokies well for one last time.”

On Thursday morning, we will have a chance to cheer for Robert Owen, who is going to represent the United States in 200 backstroke. Owen is a three-time ACC champion and an All-American in 400 individual medley. He is going to represent his country at an international meet for the first time.

“It’s an honor to represent the United States and to have one of the most humbling experiences of my swimming career by being able to wear a cap with the U.S. flag and my name on it.” Owen said.

Owen is ranked fourth at this distance. Fingers crossed for highest places!

Go Hokies!

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