Olympic Swimming Debut For Sophomore Ziegler

By Broadside Managing Editor Sherell Williams

While most George Mason University students spent their summer vacations visiting family and friends, 20-year-old Kate Ziegler participated in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. In her Olympic debut, Ziegler competed in both the 400 meter and 800 meter freestyle events, but did not advance to the finals in either event.

With a time of 4:09.59, Ziegler came in fourth place in qualification heat six in the 400 meter freestyle, but she placed 14th overall. Ziegler also placed fourth in the 800 meter freestyle on Aug. 14 in qualification heat five with a time of 8:26.98 to advance to the final. She ranked 10th overall, just above American teammate Katie Hoff. Only the top eight times are selected to advance to the next round in each event.

Ziegler remains the current world record holder in the 1500 meter freestyle and is a four-time world champion.

In addition to being a student and professional swimmer, sophomore Ziegler is also a volunteer assistant coach here at Mason and a Clean Water Ambassador for the Global Water Foundation.

KATE ZIEGLER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
World Record Holder (1500m Fr)
4-Time World Champion
American Record Holder
9-Time National Champion

Notable Mason alumni who participated in this summer’s Olympic Games are track and field stars 30-year-old Cydonie Mothersill, 25-year-old Richard Phillips and 32-year-old Maurice Wignall. Mothersill competed in the women’s 200 meter dash and advanced as far as the semifinals on behalf of the Cayman Islands team. Both Wignall and Phillips competed for the Jamaican Olympic team in the 110 meter hurdles event, but did not medal. Wignall, who graduated in 2000, finished sixth with a time of 13.46 and Phillips, a graduate of the class of 2006, finished seventh with a time of 13.60.