The 2017 World University Games start this Saturday in Taipei, Taiwan.
These games are held every other year and are organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). Think of it as the Olympics designed specifically for college athletes. Athletes are between the ages of 17 and 24 and have been, within the past year, a student at a college or university.
This year’s competition includes two current Wildcats swimmers. Senior Bridgette Alexander and sophomore Asia Seidt highlight the United States’ backstroke attack at this year’s games. By virtue of their third and fourth place finishes in the 200-meter backstroke at US Nationals in June, Seidt and Alexander earned the right to compete in Taipei. Said Coach Lars Jorgensen:
"This is the first time we've had two Kentucky athletes represent their country in a single international competition, so this is an exciting time for us. To represent your country internationally is really the highest honor you can achieve in this sport. We wish both Asia and Bridgette the best of luck in Taipei."
Seidt and Alexander will both be competing in the 200-meter backstroke. The competition is split up over three days and the preliminary round of racing begins on Saturday. The games will be streamed live at livefisu.tv.
The preliminary swims for the 200-meter backstroke will begin at 9 PM Eastern on August 19 and the semifinal and final rounds will take place on the 20th and 21st. Be sure to cheer on Asia and Bridgette as they represent their school and their country, as well as all of Team USA in Taipei.