University of Louisville
at US Open
Vali Preda Posts Top Three Time at US Open
December 01, 2006 | Swimming & Diving
Dec. 1, 2006
Vali Preda posted a blistering time in the 100-breast to finish third behind two Olympians at the US Open on the campus of Purdue University.
In the men's 100m breast, Mark Gangloff of Auburn Aquatics could not better the U.S. Open meet record of 1:00.76 he set Thursday morning's prelims, but he did take away a win in, turning in a time of 1:01.07. 2004 Olympic teammate Scott Usher of Wyoming Aquatics was second in 1:02.01, while Preda was third in 1:02.73.
"It was a great, great swim for Vali and especially against competition of that caliber," said Arthur Albiero, U of L head coach. "Gangloff and Usher are top five in the world and Vali was just seven tenths of a second behind him."
Leslie VanWinkle had a strong showing in the 200m-IM finishing 2lst in the prelims and gaining the finals.
Anna Dishuck finished 22nd in the 100-breast in the C-Final.
VanWinkle led off the 800m-free relay with Jenny Schimenti, Liz Halet and Amanda Henleben rounding out the field with a time of 8:43.55.
"It was a good first day and we are looking forward to racing on Friday," said Albiero.
