Kaeser, Karasek Named to Switzerland's Squad for World University Games
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April 25, 2013
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.–Virginia swimming freshman Yannick Kaeser and former Cavalier standout David Karasek (Class of 2012) have been named to Switzerland’s squad for the World University Games, to be held in Kazan, Russia, July 6-17.
Kaeser has been selected for the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke events, while Karasek qualified for the 100- and 200-meter freestyle, as well as the 200-meter individual medley.
Kaeser placed 24th in the 200m breast at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He currently holds the Swiss record in the event (2:12.09), which he set at the 2012 European Championships. Kaeser earned All-ACC honors in his first year at UVa, placing third in the 200-yard breaststroke, while also finishing sixth in the 100y breast. Kaeser will attempt to make the Swiss squad for the World Championships, to be held in Barcelona, Spain, in the summer. If he is successful, he would compete at the World Championships and not the World University Games.
Karasek represented the Swiss at the 2011 World University Games in Shenzhen, China, finishing eighth in the 200m free, 17th in the 100m free and was a part of ninth-place 4x200m free relay. At the London Olympics, Karasek placed 28th in the 200m IM in 2:01.35, breaking his own Swiss national record in the event. Karasek has been attending graduate school in Spain since he graduated from UVa.
The duo will join sophomore Ellen Williamson (Ft. Mitchell, Ky.) in Kazan. Williamson was named to the U.S. squad in February.
Along with Karasek, former Cavaliers Katya Bachrouche and Matt McLean and current Virginia junior Rachel Naurath all competed at the 2011 World University Games, with Bachrouche representing Lebanon and McLean and Naurath competing 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 200m free and 4x200m free relay. He was the fourth Cavalier to medal for the Americans at recent World University Games.
Scot Robison earned a gold medal with the 4x200m free relay team in addition to two silvers at the 2009 World University Games held in Belgrade, Serbia. He claimed silver in the 200m free and 4x100m free relay. Pat Mellors won gold in the 400m IM and Ryan Hurley earned a silver medal in the 200m breast at the 2007 meet in Bangkok, Thailand.