Nittany Lion Eugene Botes Earns Spot on South African World Championship Team

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., May 8, 2003. PENN State men’s swimmer Eugene Botes has earned a spot on the South African World Championship team after taking home one gold and two silver medals at the 2003 Telkom South African National Aquatic Championships.

The South African Championships were held at the Kings Park Pool Complex. A senior, Botes qualified for the 10th FINA World Championships, which will take place in Barcelona, Spain in July.

Botes qualified for the team mark by swimming a personal best 24.4 in the 50-meter butterfly to earn the silver medal. He received his second silver in the 100m butterfly by touching the wall in a personal best of 54.4. Botes also earned a gold medal as a member of the South African National record-breaking 200 freestyle relay unit.

"I am excited for the opportunity to represent South Africa on the international level and looking forward to improving with the goal of being my best in Athens (2004 Olympics)," stated Botes. "It’s good to have Penn State on the world swimming map."

Botes holds dual citizenship in both the United States and South Africa. He was raised in Mussel Bay, South Africa, until he was 14 when his father, Nico, was transferred to a new job in Thornton, Pa.

Botes is Penn State’s first male swimmer to represent the Nittany Lions in international competition.

"Our program has set some lofty goals and Eugene’s commitment to excellence will allow those goals to come to fruition," stated head coach Bill Dorenkott.
"We are proud of Eugene and what he has accomplished. He is focused on improving during the next year."

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