McLean Added to U.S. Olympic Swim Team
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July 2, 2012
OMAHA, Neb. – Former Virginia swimmer Matt McLean has been added to the U.S. Olympic Swim roster as part of the men’s 800-meter freestyle relay, USA Swimming announced Sunday night (July 1).
The 2011 graduate placed fifth in the men’s 200-meter freestyle on June 27 to earn the opportunity to be added to the team. With the announcement, McLean joins rising senior Lauren Perdue, who punched her ticket to London as part of the women’s 800m free relay with a fourth-place finish in the 200-meter free on June 28.
McLean and Perdue become the fifth and sixth Cavalier swimmers to represent the United States at the Olympic level. Four women and five men from UVa have swum at the Olympics prior to 2012.
“In 1996, we were very fortunate to have two swimmers, a male current student-athlete in Peter Wright and an alum in Melanie Valerio, represent the United States at the Atlanta Olympic Games,” Virginia head coach Mark Bernardino said. “16 years later, we once again have one male and one female representing America and reaching the penultimate achievement in sports in competing at the London Olympic Games.
“I believe both Lauren and Matt are extremely deserving of this honor and will be outstanding representatives of our country, our sport and our university. I also believe both are well positioned on the 800 free relays to earn medals.
“As a program, we couldn’t be prouder of them and I hope our university and community support them and strongly stand behind them as they head to London.”
McLean won the NCAA Championship in the 500-yard freestyle and was a 15-time All-American at UVa. A 17-time Atlantic Coast Conference Champion, he was the ACC Swimmer of the Year in 2008, 2009 and 2011.
Perdue missed the NCAA Championships in March to undergo a surgical procedure on her back. She is a 12-time All-American and 17-time ACC champion in her first three seasons at Virginia, as well as the ACC record holder in the 200-yard freestyle.