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March 26, 2007
VICTORIA, B.C. – Virginia senior swimmer Stefan Hirniak was the runner-up in the long course 200 meter butterfly at the Canadian National Championships held last weekend at Saanich Commonwealth Place in Victoria, B.C. His time of 1:58.76 is the fourth fastest time in Canadian history in the event.
“I couldn’t be happier for Stefan,” said Virginia head coach Mark Bernardino. “It was his third tapered swim in the past few weeks with the Canadian nationals coming right after the ACC and NCAA Championships. To extend his peak over a six-week period is a tremendous achievement. To be able to fly 3,500 miles across the continent and maintain that high level of speed and endurance is a real testament to his ability.”
Hirniak now holds the second and fourth fastest times in the event in Canadian history. The Canadian record holder in the event, Shamek Pietucha swam at Virginia from 1996-99 and was the 1999 NCAA champion in the 200 butterfly.
With his performance, Hirniak will compete for Canada this summer at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Former Cavalier Brielle White will also compete at the games, competing for the United States.