For the first time since 1976, an IU swimmer will compete for the United States in the Olympics.
Cody Miller assured Monday night when he finished second in the 100 breaststroke at the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. At the last turn, Milller sat in fourth place with only the top two finishers booking their ticket for Rio.
Then, Miller swam the fastest final 50 meters of any swimmer in the field to out touch the third place finisher by more than half a second with a time of 59.26.
"Cody Miller represents Indiana's first U.S. Olympic team member in the modern era of our program," IU Coach Ray Looze said in a press release. "Very few people we have coached train harder with more passion and determination than Cody."
At the trials in 2012, Miller was also in competition to qualify for the Olympics in London. But he finished 44th overall after ripping his suit before his preliminary race.
This year, Miller came to Omaha as a favorite and nearly took first, finishing .08 seconds behind Kevin Cordes.
"His meaning to our program is immeasurable and we're so happy for his family and the Hoosier nation on such an outstanding accomplishment," Looze said in a press release. "This could not have happened to a finer man."
Miller is the 78th swimmer in IU history to qualify for the Olympics, a number that figures to rise throughout the rest of the trials.
IU also had three swimmers competing in today's preliminary rounds. Stephanie Marchuk competed in the 200 meter freestyle, Max Irwin competed in the 200 butterfly and Bailey Pressley competed in the 200 individual medley.
All three of Marchuk, Irwin and Pressey all failed to qualify for the semifinals in their respective preliminary heats.
