Ohio swimmers Irena Stavreska and Ilse Peterson completed their races at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Indianapolis, Ind., with swims and memories that will last a lifetime.
Stavreska competed for Macedonia in the 50-meter freestyle and 50 breaststroke events. She finished 45th in freestyle (28.33) and 28th of 38 swimmers in the breaststroke (36.01).
Coach Greg Werner said he had hoped she would swim a little better.
She did good for where we are in training
so it was nothing to feel bad about he said.
Peterson, who is from Johannesburg, South Africa, swam three individual events and two relays. She placed 19th of 38 swimmers in the 200 freestyle (2:03.60) and achieved the NCAA Championship 'B' time standard in the process. She also placed 38th of 50 swimmers in the 50 freestyle (27.37), and 29th of 54 swimmers in the 100 freestyle.
Werner said Peterson's 100 and 200 freestyle times were close to lifetime bests and the 50 freestyle was not far off from her lifetime best.
He also said he was happy with how she improved from her first swim of the meet to her last swim in the 200 freestyle.
We knew that she felt more comfortable for her last swim Werner said. She wasn't as intimidated as the first day of the meet.
Peterson said she was nervous before her first event, but was relaxed each day after that.
The freshman swam the second leg of South Africa's 400 freestyle relay, which placed eighth (3:52.69). She also anchored the eighth-place 800 freestyle relay (8:13.71).
This was Peterson and Stavreska's first international meet and they were both eager at the opportunity to represent their home countries.
I was really excited
Peterson said. It was an experience I never thought I would have.
I just found out 10 days before the meet
Stavreska said. I was both excited and nervous.
Assistant coach Brian Peresie traveled to Indianapolis with them and said both swimmers competed well for an early-season meet.
We didn't rest for this meet
he said. We just continued training and focusing on the end of the year
and we just went in there and wanted to see what would happen.
He also said it was a very exciting atmosphere.
The best athletes in the world were on display and it was a great experience to be there
Peresie said. The crowd was great
the swims were great and the coaches were great.
