TUCSON, Arizona, August 31. THE reigning Pan American Games champion in the 200-meter breaststroke, Caitlin Leverenz has decided to bypass her junior season at Sahuaro High School, according to a report in the Arizona Republic. Leverenz will skip the scholastic campaign in order to focus on next year's Olympic Trials in Omaha.
Leverenz enjoyed a spectacular summer which placed her among the leading contenders for an Olympic berth to the Games in Beijing. After prevailing in the 200 breast at the Pan Am Games, she won the 400 individual medley title at the United States National Championships in Indianapolis. Leverenz is also a contender for an Olympic slot in the 200 I.M.
As a sophomore, Leverenz won state championships and established state records in the 200-yard individual medley (1:56.64) and 100 breaststroke (1:01.57). Rather than race in high school competition as a junior, Leverenz will work solely with El Dorado Aquatics. The possibility of returning to scholastic swimming as a senior does exist and Leverenz is expected to race at the U.S. Short Course Nationals later this year.