(Supplied by U of L)

By David Opinko

Two Pronghorn swimmers to compete in Olympic Trials

Jun 14, 2021 | 4:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge is hopeful that two of its best swimmers will have the opportunity to compete on the world’s grandest stage.

Third-year Pronghorn and backstroke specialist Chris Alexander and freshman Apollo Hess will compete in their first Canadian Olympic Trials.

“There are so many aspects of this Trials that are and will be different than the norm,” says Pronghorn swim head coach Peter Schori. “The postponements, the requirements of the athletes to compete, the short list of athletes invited and the empty stands.”

“Our focus has been on what will be the same – racing, controlling what we can, and planning well for the bumps along the way.”

“Chris and Apollo have done a great job in preparing for this opportunity and are excited to represent U of L and City of Lethbridge at Olympic Trials.”

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Alexander won a conference bronze medal in the 2019 Canada West Championship and a relay silver medal in the 4 x 100 free relay.

During the virtual U SPORTS Swim Challenge earlier in the spring this year, Alexander finished seventh in the 50 metre and 13th in the 100-metre backstroke after only being in the pool training for six weeks after three months away from training.

Alexander will race in the 100-metre backstroke on June 19^th and enters the meet seeded ninth out of the 20 invited swimmers.

While his first year with the Pronghorns wasn’t what he envisioned, Hess served notice that he will be a major player on both the Canada West and U SPORTS scene.

In the U SPORTS Virtual Swim Challenge, the Lethbridge product took the top spot in the 100-metre medley and was third in the 50-metre breaststroke. He also finished eighth in the 100-metre freestyle.

Hess will compete in two events on June 22^nd and enters the trials seeded seventh out of 20 in the 200-metre breaststroke and 11^th in the 100-metre breaststroke.

For all the Canadian Olympic Trials information and results click here