Anderson Sets Four Personal Bests at the U.S. Open

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. – Oregon State sophomore Felicia Anderson (Portland, Ore.) wrapped up her time at the U.S. Open Swimming National Championships last weekend with four personal bests between three separate events. The championship, which was open to all U.S. and international swimmers who meet qualifying times in various events, took place at the Nassau County Aquatic Center in New York.

"This being her first national meet, Felicia prepared and swam very well," said Beaver head swim coach Jennifer Buffin. "She fully enjoyed the experience of racing in a national competition.

"Competing against professional athletes, Olympians and her collegian peers gave her the experience to focus on next year's Pac-12 championships and aided her preparations to qualify for the NCAA championships."

Anderson began with the 200-meter backstroke seeded 37th in the preliminaries and finished 30th with her first personal best of 2:16.98. In order to qualify for the finals, swimmers must place in the top 24 in the prelims.

Before her second individual event, the Portland, Ore., native swam in the 100-meter freestyle time trial and shaved off more than a quarter-second from her previous best after posting a time of 58.71.

Her best finish at the open came in the 100-meter backstroke, entering the prelims seeded 37th and finished 17th after she posted a new personal best of 1:02.71, propelling her into the finals later that same day. Anderson placed 15th overall at the conclusion of the finals, lowering her best time yet again to 1:02.59.

Regarding her thoughts on how she performed, "I was more than thrilled," said Anderson. "At this point in my career, getting one best time at a meet is great, but to get four is an incredible feeling.

"Racing at this meet was a completely new experience for me and I had the best time of my life. Knowing that the people in the pool alongside me were among the best in the world was a nerve-wracking feeling, yet it pushed me to swim at my best."

The Beavers begin their season late next month against Willamette University and Southwestern Oregon Community College on September 22.

"I am looking forward to next year's championship meets," added Anderson, "especially now that I have one national meet under my belt.

"I am excited to see what I can do. My goal this upcoming season is to reach towards the A-finals."

For more information on the Oregon State swimming team, visit OSUBeavers.com or follow the club @BeaverSwim on Twitter

OREGON STATE ATHLETICS' EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS CULTURE
Through the power of sport, we help people discover and pursue their passions, talents and purpose in order to live a life of balance and positive contribution.

Players Mentioned

Felicia Anderson

Related Videos