NEW COMMIT: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has gained a huge commitment for the upcoming 2020-21 season from Vuk Čelić of Novi Sad, Serbia.
Čelić is the current Serbian National record-holder in 800m and 1500m free for both SCM and LCM. He has already achieved an Olympic A cut in the 800m free as he continues to train for Tokyo 2021 while at UNLV.
Regarding his commitment, he said:
“From the first moment I knew that UNLV is the only place I want to be. Because of the people, understanding and a family care approach. I believe that I can grow as a swimmer and as a person at UNLV. For me, this Is a once in a lifetime chance to achieve my goals in swimming and academics.”
In LCM, his best times include:
- 200m free – 1:50.75
- 400m free – 3:53.72
- 800m free – 7:53.76
- 1500m free – 15:11.52
In SCY, those times convert to:
- 200 free – 1:36.17
- 500 free – 4:15.98
- 1000 free – 8:51.09
- 1650 free – 14:31.24
Čelić brings loads of international experience to Vegas. While representing the Serbia National team – which he has done since 2013 – he has competed at the European SCM Championships in 2013, 2015, and 2019 while racing at the European LCM Championships in 2016 and 2018. He has also raced at the World Championships in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
At the FINA World Cup in October 2019, Čelić finished fifth in the 400m free. He has also been a three-time European Junior Championship finalist and was a Balkan Junior National champion.
Čelić is a huge pick up for the Rebels as his best times (converted to yards) are signifcanylu faster than their school records in the 500/1000/1650. With his best times converted to yards, he also would’ve been seeded fourth in the mile for the 2020 NCAA Championships.
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