Newman Alumnus Patrick Riess ’13 Qualifies for Olympic Swimming Trials

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By Angele Cherbonnier '13

On June 18, 2016, Newman alumnus Patrick Riess ’13, swam the 100 Meter Backstroke fast enough in to qualify for the United States Olympic Swimming Trials. Patrick’s time of 56.72 put him in the position to travel Omaha, Nebraska with 29 of his UNC Chapel Hill teammates on June 24. There he will compete at the CenturyLink Center in the event that serves as the only selection meet for the U.S. Olympic Swim Team. Nearly 2,000 of the fastest male and female athletes from the United States will compete for the top two spots in each event. On qualifying, Patrick said, “Competing at Olympic Trials has been a lifelong goal. I’m really excited to swim against the fastest athletes in the country, and I’m also really hyped about swimming in a basketball arena with a sold-out crowd.”

Patrick is heading into his senior year swimming at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. While at Newman, Patrick led the state-championship winning swim teams of 2011 and 2012 and holds school records in 100 Yard Backstroke and 100 Yard Freestyle. In addition to his lasting impact at Newman, Patrick broke the LHSAA State Composite records in the 100 Yard Freestyle, making him the fastest LHSAA swimmer – from any Division – to ever swim the event. Congratulations, Patrick!