North Carolina State University Athletics
Velez, Forsythe Take Next Step Toward Olympics
3/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | Swimming
RALEIGH, N.C. Former Wolfpack swimmer Dan Velez and current letterwinner Dan Forsythe both took another step towards competing in the Olympics in Beijing this summer with standout performances in the 100-meter breaststroke on Friday, March 7. Velez secured a spot on the Puerto Rico team, while Forsythe qualified for the United States Olympic Trials.
In competition at the All-American Long Course Championships in Austin, Texas, Velez swam a 1:03.62, locking up a spot on his native Puerto Rico’s Olympic squad. A 2006 All-America selection, Velez was named All-ACC in both 2005 and ’06.
"This is a great accomplishment for Dan Velez,” said head NC State swimming and diving coach Brooks Teal. “The Olympics is the highest level of athletic competition, and Dan joins a rich legacy of NC State swimmers who have competed in the Olympics. The Wolfpack swimming family is extremely proud of Dan and excited about what this summer will hold for him.”
World record-holder Brendan Hansen competed alongside the former State letterwinner in Austin. Velez’s time was good for fifth overall. He will compete in the 200-meter breaststroke on tomorrow, Saturday, March 8.
Swimming in the 2008 Southeastern Sectional Championships in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn., Forsythe clocked in with a 104.37 to seal a spot in the U.S. Olympic Trials. The trials will begin in Omaha, Neb. on June 29. Forsythe is a true freshman for the Wolfpack this season and placed eighth in the 100-yard breast at the 2008 ACC Championships.
“Dan Forsythe has qualified for what many term the most competitive swimming meet ever,” said Teal. “USA swimmers represent the best swimmers in the world, so the meet where the USA Olympic team is selected is often even more hotly contested than the Olympics themselves."
In competition at the All-American Long Course Championships in Austin, Texas, Velez swam a 1:03.62, locking up a spot on his native Puerto Rico’s Olympic squad. A 2006 All-America selection, Velez was named All-ACC in both 2005 and ’06.
"This is a great accomplishment for Dan Velez,” said head NC State swimming and diving coach Brooks Teal. “The Olympics is the highest level of athletic competition, and Dan joins a rich legacy of NC State swimmers who have competed in the Olympics. The Wolfpack swimming family is extremely proud of Dan and excited about what this summer will hold for him.”
World record-holder Brendan Hansen competed alongside the former State letterwinner in Austin. Velez’s time was good for fifth overall. He will compete in the 200-meter breaststroke on tomorrow, Saturday, March 8.
Swimming in the 2008 Southeastern Sectional Championships in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn., Forsythe clocked in with a 104.37 to seal a spot in the U.S. Olympic Trials. The trials will begin in Omaha, Neb. on June 29. Forsythe is a true freshman for the Wolfpack this season and placed eighth in the 100-yard breast at the 2008 ACC Championships.
“Dan Forsythe has qualified for what many term the most competitive swimming meet ever,” said Teal. “USA swimmers represent the best swimmers in the world, so the meet where the USA Olympic team is selected is often even more hotly contested than the Olympics themselves."
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