Clemson’s Russell, Parkhurst Qualify for Olympic Trials

June 6, 2008

Charlotte, N.C. – Rising Senior Michelle Parkhurst and May graduate Stephen Russell qualified for Olympic Trials at the Charlotte UltraSwim on Friday. Parkhurst qualified in the 200 free, while Russell hit his mark in the 100 butterfly. Olympic trials will be held June 29-July 5 in Omaha, Ne.

Parkhurst was already qualified for the 100 back, adding to her impressive resume with a 2:02.84 in the 200 meter free, well under the 2:03.39 cut point. Parkhurst holds the ACC record for the 200 (yard) free at 1:44.74 and was the 2008 ACC Champion in that event. She will also try for a spot in the 200 back during the event.

Russell became the seventh Tiger to qualify for Olympic trials, posting a 55.55 second showing in the 100 butterfly. The cut-point is 55.59, which Russell achieved in the finals. Russell is third on Clemson’s all-time list in the 100 (yard) fly with a 47.85.

The other Tiger Qualifiers for the Olympic Trials are:

Matt Balderston – May ’08 Graduate – 50 free

Chris Dart – Incoming Freshman – England and USA

Tom Recko – Rising Junior – 200 Back

Rachel Regone – Rising Senior – 50 free

Maddie Tarantolo – Incoming Freshman – 100 fly