World University Games Add to Star-Studded Summer Slate

PHOENIX, Ariz., USA, July 11. DURING the next few weeks, the swimming community will be treated to a handful of major events, headlined by the World Championships in Montreal. Once that event concludes, we're looking at the Duel in the Pool and the United States Summer Nationals, both scheduled for early August. Ah, but there is more, in the form of the World University Games.

The United States will send a strong squad to the World University Games, slated for August 12-17 in Ismir, Turkey. The team was selected based on performances from the U.S. World Champs Trials in early April. Dick Jochums, of the Santa Clara Swim Club, and Jill Sterkel, of the University of Texas, will handle the head-coaching duties for the United States.

Leading the American contingent bound for the Games are a pair of Olympic gold medalists, Megan Jendrick and Dana Vollmer. Known as Megan Quann during the 2000 Olympic Games, Jendrick bested the competition in the 100 breast and also earned gold as a member of the United States' 400 medley relay. As for Vollmer, she was a major figure for the U.S. at last summer's Olympics in Athens, as she helped the States set a world record in the 800 freestyle relay.

For the men, Justin Mortimer and Chris DeJong should deliver stellar performances. Mortimer, a University of Minnesota product, will race a demanding schedule, as he's scheduled to compete in the 200, 400, 800 and 1,500 freestyle events. As for DeJong, the Club Wolverine standout should be among the leading contenders for gold in the 200-meter backstroke.

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