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Ellen Williamson Added to U.S. World University Games Squad
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Feb. 5, 2013
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—Sophomore Virginia swimmer Ellen Williamson has been added to the United States World University Games roster, USA Swimming announced Tuesday (Feb. 5). Williamson will compete in the 200-meter backstroke at the 2013 meet, which will be held in Kazan, Russia, July 6-17.
“It’s really exciting to be a part of that team,” Williamson said. “One of my biggest goals last summer was to make the team and it is an honor to go overseas and represent the United States.”
Williamson was added to the U.S. roster after Megan Romano dropped the 200 back from her schedule. Williamson earned the spot based on her performance in the event at the U.S. Open in Indianapolis last August. She placed sixth, but was the third American to finish. USA Swimming takes two participants for each individual event.
“This is a great honor both for Ellen and the University of Virginia to join a long and illustrious group of Virginia swimmers to represent the United States of America in the highest level of international competition,” UVa head coach Mark Bernardino said. “I couldn’t be more happy for her success and we hope during her stay in Russia that she will be able to perform at a level that gives her an opportunity to earn a spot among the world’s elite.”
Williamson was named the 2012 Atlantic Coast Conference Freshman of the Year after finishing sixth in the 200-yard backstroke at the NCAA Championships, earning All-America honors. The Ft. Mitchell, Ky., native also took home Honorable Mention All-America accolades for the 200 IM and 800 free relay.
Former Cavaliers Katya Bachrouche, David Karasek and Matt McLean and current Virginia swimmer Rachel Naurath all competed at the 2011 World University Games, with Bachrouche and Karasek representing Lebanon and Switzerland, respectively. Naurath, a junior from Manakin-Sabot, Va., competed for the American team.
McLean, a 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist and current UVa volunteer assistant coach, won gold for the United States in the both the 200 free and 4×200 free relay. He was the fourth Cavalier to medal at recent World University Games.
Scot Robison earned a gold medal with the 4×200 free relay team in addition to two silvers at the 2009 World University Games held in Belgrade, Serbia. He claimed silver in the 200 free and 4×100 free relay. Pat Mellors won gold in the 400 IM and Ryan Hurley earned a silver medal in the 200 breast at the 2007 meet in Bangkok, Thailand.