Ruta Meilutyte, who won gold in the women’s 100 breast at the 2012 Olympics, will spend the next month training with Team Elite and coach David Marsh in San Diego. A spokesperson for Marsh sent the announcement to Swimming World.
“Team Elite Founder and Head Coach David Marsh is proud to announce that Olympic Gold Medalist Ruta Meilutyte will be headed to San Diego to train with Team Elite. Marsh and Meilutytė initially met back at the London 2012 Olympics in a social setting that has evolved to today’s partnership.
“Says Meilutyte, ‘I still vividly remember meeting David at a BBQ restaurant in the Olympic village as a 15 year old shortly after arriving at the London Games. From our initial conversation to my first gold medal and beyond, David has always been a great encourager, adviser and sounding board for me in addition to his global reputation of helping top swimmers get even better. This will be my first time training with him so I’m really excited to spend the next month here in San Diego getting stronger with Team Elite.’
“Adds Marsh, ‘We’re honored to have Ruta train with us at Team Elite in San Diego. Ruta is respected throughout the world for her competitive spirit and prowess. She possesses the highest in character and integrity. The first day she arrived she was already out surfing and then was ready to go at morning practice!’
“The Lithuanian legend burst onto the scene as teenager, claiming gold in the 100m breaststroke at The London Olympics while simultaneously breaking 11 National records that year. Meilutyte has since won 4 World Championship medals, broken 3 World records and set 8 European records.”
After finishing a disappointing seventh in the 100 breast at the 2016 Olympics, Meilutyte had a much stronger 2017, taking fourth in both the 50 and 100 breast at the World Championships.
I wish Ruta all of the best to get back into the gold medal fight. She has so much more to show the world. Go Ruta!