Swimming & Diving

Tech's Smith places 11th at Olympic Trials

OMAHA, Neb. - Virginia Tech swimmer Sara Smith wrapped up the Hokies' representation at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials on Saturday with an 11th-place finish in the women's 50-meter freestyle.

The rising senior from McGaheysville, Va., set a personal best for the second time of the day by finishing in 25.44 seconds in the semifinal, just 0.06 seconds shy of eighth place and a spot in the finals. She had earlier recorded a best in the qualifying heats by recording a mark of 25.49 seconds, chopping off 0.3 seconds from her previous best at last summer's nationals.

The race completed a great year for Smith, who captured three ACC titles, scored in three events at the NCAA Championships and was named the ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Recently departed senior Pete Cancila competed in the men's 50-meter freestyle on Friday, finishing 111th in 23.98 seconds.

Full results are available here: http://www.omegatiming.com/swimming/racearchives/2008/Omaha_b_2008/index.htm