Newly Recruited Trent Student Athlete Wins Big at Can-Am Games

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Champion Swimmer Rachel Tavares Wins One Gold and Two Bronze Medals

Friday, July 18, 2008, Peterborough

Stellar swimming performances in the Can-Am Games last week in Victoria, BC have made newly-recruited Trent student athlete Rachel Tavares a medal winner, three times over.

“We’re excited about having an athlete come to Trent who has already proven herself at the national and international levels,” said Bill Byrick, director of athletics at Trent University.

Ms. Tavares, a 19-year-old swimming star from Brockville, won a gold medal in the 200-metre breaststroke and bronze medals in both the 100-metre breaststroke and the 200-metre backstroke. She achieved personal bests in all five swimming events she competed in during the meet.

Ms. Tavares was recruited to Trent by Ruth Van Rooijen, mother of champion rower Peter Van Rooijen who rowed for Trent from 2003 to 2004. “We’re just delighted to have parents and alumni out there recruiting for us and bringing excellent varsity-calibre athletes like Rachel to Trent,” said Mr. Byrick.

With these successes at the Can-Am Games, Ms. Tavares finished her season and will be attending Trent University in the fall where she will continue swimming. Her goal is to make the Ontario Canada Games team next year.

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For further information, please contact Bill Byrick, director of athletics, Trent University, at (705) 748-1011, ext. 1252