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July 20, 2007
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Former Virginia swimmer Stefan Hirniak earned a ticket to the 200 meter butterfly final at the 2007 Pan American Games. Hirniak, representing Canada, made his way through the semifinals Friday, winning his heat in a time of 1:59.29. The event was held at Aquatic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 200 fly final will be held Saturday.
Hirniak’s time earned him the No. 3 seed in the event, with Brazil’s Kaio Marcio Almeida (1:57.99) and the United States’ Eddie Erazo (1:58.41) posting quicker times in the first heat. Earlier this week Hirniak (2004-07) claimed a bronze medal with Canada’s 800 meter free relay team.
Meanwhile, former Cavalier Brielle White (2003-06) was just .03 seconds away from claiming a medal of her own. Swimming for the U.S., White finished fourth in the 100 meter backstroke with a time of 1:02.49. Teammate Julia Smit took gold with a mark of 1:02.01.