Simon Fraser Signs Mariya Chekanovych

BURNABY, British Columbia, November 19. MARIYA Chekanovych has committed to Simon Fraser University and will join the SFU swimming program in the fall of 2012.

"I'm so excited to be joining the SFU swimming program," said Chekanovych. "I want to come into university and help SFU win an NCAA Championship. At the same time, this program gives me the best opportunity to continue working towards my international aspirations. The coaching staff here is outstanding and there is a real focus on teamwork that I'm excited to be a part of."

Chekanovych is one of the top five swimmers in Canada in the 200m breaststroke competition and she recently represented Canada at the 2011 Junior World Championships in Peru.

"Competing for Canada this past summer was an incredible new experience for me. It was a massive honour and it really motivated me to continue pursuing my swimming career and to keep working hard as I prepare for the Olympic trials next March in Montreal," continued Chekanovych.

She twice competed at the North American Challenge Cup, claiming three gold medals in her first appearance in 2009 and an additional five gold medals and a bronze in her second appearance in 2010.

She has been named an ID team member of the Canada National Development Team based on her performances during the short and long course seasons every year since 2008.

In 2009, Chekanovych established a British Columbia swim record in the 100m and 200m breaststroke and was named the Youth Athlete of the Year in British Columbia.

In addition to her outstanding accomplishments in the pool, she has also excelled in the classroom.

Throughout her high school career, Chekanovych has constantly been an honour roll student and achieved numerous other academic awards.

"Mariya is currently one of the top 100 swimmers in the world and is in the top 15 in her age category. She is also a gifted student. She will bring high level performance and youth to our program as we push towards the NCAA," said Head Coach Liam Donnelly. "We are looking forward to a bright road ahead with SFU swimming and Mariya will be a big part of that."

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x