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Bernardino, Robison to Represent U.S. at Pan American Games
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia head swimming coach Mark Bernardino has been selected by USA Swimming to serve as an assistant coach for the men’s squad at the 2011 Pan American Games. Additionally, Scot Robison was named to the roster in the 100 and 200 freestyle events and will also swim as a member of at least two relays.
The Pan American Games will be held Oct. 14-30 in Guadalajara, Mexico, and pool competition will take place Oct. 15-21. Robison is one of 48 swimmers who will represent Team USA at the event.
“Scot continues to establish himself as one of the mainstays on the U.S. team,” Bernardino said. “It has been a great last few months for him between the completion of his collegiate career and this summer and the World Championships and U.S. Championships. He is excited to once again represent his country.”
Bernardino, entering his 34th season at the helm of the Virginia program, adds the Pan American coaching stint to a long list of international experience. Most recently, he served as the head men’s coach at the 2009 World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia.
“From a personal prospective, it’s very humbling and I’m greatly honored to be a member of the United States staff,” Bernardino said. “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to represent my country. I would like to certainly thank President Sullivan and Craig Littlepage for allowing me the time to be with the U.S. team. It is my goal to do everything in my power that we represent our country with the highest levels of distinction, class and sportsmanship.”
Robison, a Charlotte, N.C., native, wrapped up his Virginia career in 2010-11 where he departed as a 21-time All-American, 17-time ACC champion, the conference record holder in the 100 and 200 freestyle and the school record holder in the 50 freestyle. He also is the ACC record holder in all five relays. Though done with his eligibility, Robison continues to train at UVa.
Robison spent the summer as a member of Team USA at the 2011 World Championships where he earned a bronze medal as a member of the 4×100 freestyle relay team. He also finished third in the 100 freestyle and fourth in the 200 freestyle at the 2011 ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships.
The Pan American Games are held every four years, in the year before the summer Olympic Games and are the second largest multi-sport behind only the summer Olympics. Swimmers were selected for the Pan American Games based upon their performances at the ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships, which took place Aug. 2-6.