Passages: Albanian Swimmer, Record-Holder Klavio Meca, 24

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Albanian swimmer Klavio Meca, who held a national record and represented his country at the 2017 World Championships, died on Dec. 27 at age 24.

The death was first reported by the Albanian Daily News. No cause of death has been publicized.

Meca was one of four swimmers to represent Albania at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest, finishing 65th in the men’s 200 freestyle and 45th in the 400 freestyle. The latter, in a time of 4:04.03, set a national record. Meca was also part of a national record in the mixed 200 free relay set at Short Course Worlds in 2014.

Meca swam for Division II University of Bridgeport in the United States, earning a CSCAA Academic All-American Honorable Mention in 2018.

Tributes to Meca have been paid by the Albanian Nationwide Olympic Committee (KOKSH) on Facebook as well as from the Albanian ambassador to the United States, Floreta Faber.

Një lajm i pabesueshëm na erdhi si bombë për ndarjen nga jeta të sportistit shqiptar Klavio Meca në moshën 24…

Posted by Komiteti Olimpik Kombetar Shqiptar (KOKSH) on Sunday, December 27, 2020

“We met very briefly and shared with you only a few days, but we will long remember you for the excitement you conveyed and the enthusiasm you brought to everyone who was part of the program. ‘Albanian Days in Washington DC’ is one of the most valuable activities of the Albanian Embassy,” Faber recalled in a video published by the Albanian Daily News. “The very smart, sweet and easygoing Klavio was part of the group of students selected for last year (2019). The tradition of this two-day activity with meetings and visits to many American institutions we hope to continue year after year but now for one more reason, his unforgettable memory. My sincere condolences for this tragic and premature loss to Klavio’s family, relatives and all friends.”

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