Akron's Watson Earns Bronze Medal at World University Games
Story Courtesy of Akron Sports Information
NAPLES, Italy– University of Akron All-American swimmer Sarah Watson (Winnipeg, Manitoba) concluded action at the World University Games in Italy on Wednesday with a bronze medal.
Competing for Team Canada, Watson swam the butterfly leg of the 4x100 medley relay in the preliminaries. Canada finished third (4:05.52) with Watson swimming her leg in 59.82.
In the final, Canada earned the bronze medal, finishing third (4:03.32) behind the United States (3:59.77) and Japan (4:00.07). While Watson did not compete in the final race, she earned a bronze medal for her performance with the relay team in the preliminary round.
"Sarah has had an outstanding freshman year and summer," said Akron head coach Brian Peresie. "We are all proud to see her represent Canada and The University of Akron on the international stage. Her drive, dedication, and relentless pursuit of improvement has given her some outstanding opportunities. We are excited to see what the future holds for this rising star."
Watson became the first swimmer in Akron program history to participate in the World University Games. She qualified from her performances at the Canadian Trials in April.
Watson, who recently completed her freshman season with the Zips, became Akron's second swimmer to earn All-American honors. She finished 11th in the 100 butterfly finals (51.73) to earn Honorable Mention All-America honors. The youngest swimmer to ever do so and the first in the 100 butterfly, Watson set a new MAC and program record in the event. Named a CSCAA Scholar All-American, Watson was named the 2019 MAC Freshman Swimmer of the Year and first-team All-MAC while winning three individual MAC championships (200 IM, 100 butterfly, 100 freestyle). She was also a member of four MAC championship relay teams (800 freestyle, 400 freestyle, 400 medley, 200 medley). Watson was named UA Athletics' Female Newcomer of the Year.
