By Robert H. KellyCopyright 2009 TexSport Publications
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA (June 15, 2009) Mary DeScenza, representing the Athens Bulldog Swim Club, won the 2008-2009 USA Swimming Grand Prix at the Santa Clara International Invitational.
After winning her final event of the meet, the 200-meter butterfly, she received the $20,000 award, which is bestowed on the overall champion as determined by points from the result of the six Grand Prix Series meets.
DeScenza competed in all six meets (Minneapolis, Long Beach, Columbia, Missouri, Austin, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Santa Clara) winning a total of 20 gold medals, nine silver, and two bronze medals for a total of 129 points.
Narrowly missing a spot on the 2008 Olympic team in the 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter butterfly, DeScenza established a new American record in the 200-meter butterfly at the 2008 Short Course World Championships.
She will be an odd-on favorite for a sport on the 2012 Olympic team.
This is the second year that prize money has been offered to the winner of the Grand Prix Series. Last year, Michael Phelps took home the prize and DeScenza was the runner-up.
Swimmers earned points for each medal earned at a Grand Prix meet. Gold medals are worth five points, silver medals are worth three points, and bronze medals are worth one point.
The standings combine men and women competitors to determine the final champion.
Mark Schubert, USA Swimming’s National Team Head Coach and General Manager Mark Schubert, was quoted after DeScenza received the award, “We are happy to have had another successful Grand Prix Series this year. Mary did a fabulous job and proved that she’s a strong competitor in multiple events.”
DeScenza was ecstatic after her win.
“Winning the Grand Prix Series is one of my top accomplishments. I’d like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and sponsors. I planned to go to most of the Grand Prix meets this year, but it wasn’t until after the first few stops that I realized I had the opportunity to win.”
No comments:
Post a Comment