Industry News: TYR Signs Olympic Gold Medalist Ricky Berens

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California, July 6. TYR Sport Inc. is pleased to announce a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Olympic Gold Medalist Ricky Berens. At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Berens helped the U.S. team set new world and Olympic records in the 800m freestyle relay with their winning time of 6:58:56, the first team in history to break seven minutes in the event.

At the 2009 FINA World Championships, Berens was again part of the Gold Medal-winning 800m freestyle relay team, breaking the world record they had set at the Olympics by .01. Berens' relay split of 1:44.13 was the fastest split on the American team and their total time of 6:58.55 is still standing as the world record. In addition, Berens earned his second World Championship medal by being a part of the preliminary round of the 400m freestyle relay that later went on to win gold.

Berens also claimed international victories at the 2007 Pan American Games where he captured three medals; a gold in the 400m Medley Relay, and two silvers in the 400m and 800m freestyle relays.

"I am elated to become a member of the TYR team. It is an honor to be sponsored by TYR, the premiere American swim company. I look forward to both training and competing in TYR, their products are by far the best in the world," said Berens upon signing his agreement.

A 21-time All-American selection and 20-time Big 12 Conference Champion, Berens helped lead the University of Texas to a 2010 NCAA Team Championship. Berens also helped the Longhorns capture the 2009 800-yard freestyle relay NCAA title.

Berens is currently training under Coach Dave Salo at Trojan Swim Club in Los Angeles, California. He will compete at the 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai later this month as a member of the American 800m freestyle relay team.

"Ricky is a tremendous individual both personally and professionally. His character and personality exemplify the type of athlete we want brought into the TYR family," said Ryan Dolan, Vice President of Sales.

To learn more about TYR's sponsored athletes and the products they race and train in, please visit TYR.com.

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.

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