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July 17, 2007
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Former Virginia swimmer Stefan Hirniak helped Team Canada to a bronze medal performance Tuesday in the 800 freestyle relay at the 2007 Pan American Games. The event was held at Aquatic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Canadians placed third in a time of 7:17.73. Host country Brazil won gold in 7:12.27 while the United States claimed silver with a mark of 7:15.00. Hirniak, who completed his eligibility at UVa this spring, swam the second leg of the event for Canada. Other team members were Chad Hankewich, Pascal Wollach and Adam Sioui.
Hirniak is also schedule to compete in the 200 meter butterfly at the Pan American Games. Three heats are scheduled for Thursday, with the event semifinals on Friday and the final on Saturday.
Another former Virginia swimming, Brielle White (2003-06), is schedule to compete Wednesday in the semifinals of the 200 meter backstroke. She is representing the United States.
Former Cavaliers were off to a good start at the 2007 Pan American Games after Fran Crippen (2003-06) claimed gold in the men’s 10K open water event, which kicked things off last weekend.
Swimming events conclude Sunday in Brazil. Closing ceremonies are July 29.