June 27, 2016

Olympic Trials Home

OMAHA -- Missouri State senior-to-be Lauren Pavel had a great performance in front of her hometown friends and family Monday in the preliminary round of the 100-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials here.

Pavel finished fourth in her heat with a time of 1:11.60 out of lane one. That time was not good enough to advance to Monday evening's final, but did place the All-MVC performer 71st place overall out of 125 competitors in the event.

"Swimming today in the Trials was a dream that I have been chasing for two years," Pavel said. "It was amazing to be a part of the fastest meet on American soil, in my hometown."

With a capacity crowd over 14,000 in attendance at the CenturyLink Center, MSU assistant coach Chelsea Dirks-Ham said Pavel handled the big stage in a great way.

"She swam a great prelim and handled her emotions with grace," said Dirks-Ham. "The atmosphere here is indescribable and forces even the most seasoned swimmers to manage their emotions."

Pavel is the first of four Missouri State swimmers to compete at the Trials with junior Christopher Heye and transfer Phillip Willett set to race in the 200-meter breaststroke on Wednesday, while incoming Bear Antonio Thomas will race Saturday in the 1,500-meter freestyle.

"?I was so proud of Lauren today," said MSU head coach Dave Collins. "She will forever be our program's first-ever female participant in the U.S. Olympic Trials. Any time you can be the first at something, it's special. She has helped change the culture on our women's team and has set the tone for what is expected in future years."

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