UK Swim & Dive’s Seidt, Alexander Named to U.S. World University Games Roster

University of Kentucky swimmers Asia Seidt and Bridgette Alexander have each earned spots on the United States’ 2017 World University Games roster, USA Swimming announced Monday.
Both Wildcats will represent USA in the 200-meter backstroke after finishing third and fourth in the event at the Phillips 66 National Championships in Indianapolis.
Organized by the International University Sports Federation, the World University Games feature some of the top collegiate athletes in the world. Swimming is one of 17 sports to be contested between Aug. 19-30 in this year’s host city of Taipei City, Taiwan.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for both Bridgette and Asia to represent USA in their first international competitions,” said Kentucky head coach Lars Jorgensen. “It’s truly an honor to be able to represent your country. For them to be able to train together and experience that together, it’s a great stepping stone towards Tokyo in 2020.”
The World University Games will be another excellent opportunity for Alexander, who finished eighth overall in the 200 back at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials. At the Phillips 66 National Championships the senior went a personal-best time of 2:09.44 in the 200 back prelims, ultimately taking fourth with a 2:10.10 finish. She also made the A final in the 100 back, finishing seventh overall with a time of 1:00.64.
“Making my first international meet is so exciting,” said Alexander. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Being able to go with Asia is really the icing on the cake as we have trained hard all year. I’m excited to see what we can do.”
After a highly successful freshman season, the World University Games will serve as an excellent lead-in for Seidt’s sophomore campaign. The 2017 SEC Female Freshman Swimmer of the Year, Seidt had a great showing at the Phillips 66 National Championships as well, finishing third in the 200 back with a time of 2:08.99 and 16th overall in the 100 back in 1:01.20.
“I am really excited to be able to represent USA and UK in Taipei this summer,” added Seidt. “I’m looking forward to fast swimming.”
The Kentucky duo will take up two spots on the 20-woman roster for the event. Kentucky is one of just five schools to have multiple swimmers on the women’s U.S. World University Games roster.
Additional information regarding he U.S. men’s and women’s rosters for the World University Games can be found here.
For the latest on the Kentucky swimming and diving program, follow @UKSwimDive on Twitter, on Facebook at Facebook.com/UKSwimDive, and on the web at UKathletics.com.
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For more information contact:
Karlie Kinneer