The U.S. National Junior Team won eight medals – three gold, four silver and a bronze – on the first night of competition Friday at the 2008 Victorian Championships in Melbourne, Australia. Leading the way for the Junior Team was Ashley Evans, who took first in the women’s 1500m free in 16:39.19.
The women’s 800 free relay led the team with a gold and silver. The quad of Dagny Knutson, Ashley Evans, Lauren Perdue and Kate Ziegler swam to gold in 8:09.17, while the team of Emily Kelly, Katie Gardocki, Stephanie Peacock and Natalie Adams scored silver in 8:13.29.
Natalie Adams collected a bronze medal in the 200 butterfly (2:12.38). Kaia Simmons followed in fourth place (2:12.80) along with Ashley Evans in sixth place (2:15.42).
U.S. swimmers flexed their long distance muscles on the fourth day of the meet, led by a sweep in the women’s 800 freestyle. National Teamer Kate Ziegler set an example for the Junior Teamers to follow when she posted the winning time of 8:28.66. Katie Gardocki followed suit in second place with 8:42.31. Ashley Evans closed the event out at 8:43.43 to earn the bronze.
We will keep you posted on more results.
For more details on the meet go to the USA Swimming website at www.usaswimming.org
