Hurley Named to Short Course World Championship Team

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. Virginia swimmer Ryan Hurley was one of 26 of the nation’s top swimmers selected to represent Team USA at the 2008 FINA Short Course World Championships April 9-13 in Manchester, England. Hurley will compete in the 200 breaststroke at the Short Course World Championships.

“Everyone associated with Virginia swimming and diving is very excited for Ryan’s opportunity to represent the United States in the Short Course World Championships this spring,” Virginia head coach Mark Bernardino said. “This meet will allow Ryan to test his abilities against the finest swimmers in the world and give him outstanding preparation for the U.S. Olympic Trials.”

The U.S. swimmers selected to compete at the Short Course World Championships were chosen based upon their performance at the ConocoPhillips USA Swimming Short Course National Championships, which were held Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. Hurley finished third at the national championships in the 200 breast, clocking a time of 1:57.59.

The Short Course World Championships mark the final international competition for U.S. pool swimmers prior to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Hurley, a senior who is redshirting the 2007-08 season, was an All-Atlantic Conference performer in both the 100 and 200 breaststoke events last season, helping the Cavaliers to a second-place finish at the ACC Championships. He also competed at the NCAA Championships for the third straight year.

Hurley, along with Virginia teammate Pat Mellors, was named to the U.S. National Team in October. The Potomac, Md., native earned the silver medal in the event at the 2007 World University Games this summer.