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OMAHA, Neb. -- Rising senior Robert Owen finished sixth overall and turned in his fastest time of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials with a 1:57.48 in the finals of the 200 meter backstroke in Omaha on Friday evening.

Owen’s time steadily improved over the course of the week starting with a 1:58.01 in the preliminaries and finishing Friday with a new personal best. The Bridgewater, Mass., native was in fifth place after the first 100 meters before placing sixth.

“Robert put together his lifetime best swim on the grandest stage in the U.S.,” said head coach Ned Skinner. “What a memory for him and he had worked tirelessly preparing for the opportunity. I am so happy for his fine family and for the Hokie Nation. We all share in this.”

Along with his finals appearance in the 200 backstroke, Owen was also listed as an alternate in the 400 meter individual medley on Sunday.

Other H20kie Times:

Women’s 200 meter backstroke

60. Chloe Hicks - 2:16.33

Men’s 200 meter backstroke (final)

6. Robert Owen - 1:57.48

Men’s 50 meter freestyle

36. Ian Ho – 22.94

36. CJ Fiala – 22.94

86. Brent Benedict – 23.31

Men’s 100 meter butterfly

83. Lucas Bureau - 55.01

For updates on Virginia Tech swimming & diving, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_SwimDive