Directly after competing in the NAIA National Tournament for Cumberlands in San Antonio, TX where the men?s team placed fifth, Ospina stayed in the water and trained. He traveled to Orlando, FL March 13th through 16th for the Speedo Southern Zone Championships. He swam with his team club UNA-Berkley Aquatics from Tampa at the YMCA Aquatic Center. On the final day Ospina made his first Olympic Trial Cut in the 200 Fly which is his main event. With the cut time being 2:03.99, Ospina swam a time of 2:02.99 (50 meter) finishing third in the event.
Head UC Coach Garry Nelson commented, ?Jorge is the first swimmer from UC to ever make trial cuts. He has worked so hard all year and deserves this honor. We did not rest 100 % for our NAIA Nationals and Jorge kept focused on the bigger picture. His cut time (2:02.99) converted to our short course yards is 1:46.51 which is five seconds faster than his National NAIA time. He is a much better long course swimmer. He will have an exciting spring and summer preparing for the trials?.
At the conclusion of the season at Cumberlands, Ospina earned All-American status in addition to breaking several records and best times. He originates from Venezuela but currently hails from Tampa, FL. Because of his U.S. residential status, Ospina will attend the Olympic meet as a U.S. citizen. He is the son of Elba Ospina.
Article Provided by Staci Wilham, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Student Assistant
