Just a half second separated Rutgers swimming teammates Terka Grusova and Vera Koprivova at the 2018 Czech Republic National Championships on Thursday evening as incoming freshman Grusova claimed the 100-meter backstroke long course national title and rising senior Koprivova earned runner-up honors.
The countrywomen and future Scarlet Knight teammates dominated the finals of the national championship as Grusova touched in at 1:03.43 in the long course pool in Prague. Koprivova was just a split-second behind in 1:03.93.
“It was a great experience racing with Terka,” Koprivova said. “I always try to win, but I am happy it was her who beat me because it shows her potential. I am excited she will be on my team at Rutgers.”
The teammates will go for another 1-2 finish on Saturday in the 200-meter backstroke finals, where Koprivova is the top seed with a time of 2:15.53 and Grusova has the fifth seed at 2:23.95.
Now a national champion, Grusova approaches her first collegiate season at RU ranked among the top 100 backstrokers in the world. She has major championship experience with two runs at the World Junior Championships, an appearance at the European Championships and a swim at the Junior European Championships. Grusova has found success at those elite competitions, taking fifth place in the 200 Back at the Junior Euros in London in 2014, and making the semifinals on the short course 50 Back at Singapore’s World Juniors in 2015. She just missed out on the finals in a swim off in the semifinal round.
Koprivova is Rutgers’ record holder in the 200-yard backstroke event, and owns a spot on two relay records in the 400 Free and 400 Medley. She was the ECAC Champion in the 100 and 200 Back in 2018, and competed at the 2017 NCAA Championships in three individual events.
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with Rutgers University. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.
Congratulations