Owen in finals at World University Games

Klaudia Nazieblo, Irena Sediva and Vanessa Panousis also slated to compete on Friday

August 25, 2017

(Virginia Tech swimmer Klaudia Nazieblo is competing at the 2017 World University Games held in Taipei, Taiwan from Aug. 19-30 and will be submitting a blog with updates on how those with Virginia Tech ties are faring. This is the third one.)

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Our Thursday brought us a lot of emotional moments, as three-time ACC champion Robert Owen qualified for the afternoon session as the second seed. He showed high level racing, recording the fourth-fastest time (1:58.32) to move into Friday's final.

Two of our youngest Hokies concluded their competition at the World University Games. Rising sophomore Reka Gyorgy swam a personal best in the 200 freestyle (2:03.34), and incoming freshmen Gershwin Greene with competed in three total sprint events.

"I am extremely impressed with the energy and tough competition at the World University Games in Taipei. I am humbled to be able to represent Virginia Tech and The Bahamas in Taipei, and I am excited about continuing to represent my school and country at future international competitions," Greene said.

“My hopes for this meet were to build momentum going into my freshman year at Virginia Tech by swimming personal-best times and to learn as much as possible from some of the fastest swimmers in the world.”

In addition, our former senior from track and field, Tomas Kruzliak, can go into the offseason happy after a strong finishing in the final of the men’s hammer throw. His result of 66.60 meters enabled him finish in 11th place.

On Friday night, we have busy schedule full of Hokies competing, starting with women’s basketball quarterfinals. Vanessa Panousis and her Australian team will have not an easy task playing against U.S. team. The game is scheduled for Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Next in line to perform is Irena Sediva, a two-time NCAA champion and a three-time ACC champion in the women’s javelin. She will fight for a high finish on Friday at 7:55 p.m.

Owen’s 200 backstroke final is scheduled for Friday. Reporter Klaudia Nazieblo also will perform in her favorite event – the 200 butterfly. She qualified to the semifinals with the sixth-fastest time (2:13.47).

Let’s Go Hokies!

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