St. Augustine Prep graduate Brendan McHugh competed in the semifinals in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials on Thursday in Omaha, Neb.
McHugh finished 16th among 132 swimmers (three of whom did not start) in 2 minutes, 13.87 seconds. The top eight finishers will swim in the finals, which take place at 8 tonight and are expected to be televised live on NBC.
Clark Burkle of Louisville, Kent., was fastest overall Thursday in 2:10.3.
McHugh, 22, from the Sicklerville section of Winslow Township, Camden County, is the first University of Penn swimmer to reach an Olympic Trials final. At Penn, he set school records in six individual events and three relays.
McHugh was the 2008 Press Co-Swimmer of the Year with Prep teammate Blake Trabuchi-Downey. McHugh won the state title in 100 breaststoke three times. On Monday, he narrowly missed qualifying for the finals in the 100 breaststroke at the Olympic Trials.
Callahan, Joyce swim today
Atlantic City High School rising senior Colleen Callahan, of Ventnor, will compete today in the women’s 200 breaststroke.
Also today, St. Augustine Prep alumnus Mike Joyce, of Washignton Township, Gloucester County, will swim in the men’s 200 individual medley.
