By Cris Majors
University of Louisville freshman Adam Madarassy delivered an electrifying performance Saturday in the 200-fly at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. He is the fastest freshman in the nation at that distance. Madarassy’s time of 1:44.17 powered him to a ninth place finish behind upperclassmen after qualifying 18th for the event. His efforts propelled the U of L men’s team to a No. 27 place finish, tying with LSU in the NCAA competition.
“This is a humongous accomplishment for Adam and the team,” said U of L head coach Arthur Albiero. “This was a great day for U of L athletics [referring also to the men’s basketball team’s advancement to the Final Four], especially for swimming.”
Albiero said he was not overwhelmingly surprised to see Madarassy qualify for the NCAA due to his international competition experience, but admitted he was thrilled to see that the plans and preparation came through in the end.
“I can’t tell you how many coaches from big-time schools like Auburn, Alabama, Florida and the like have come up to me and told me how electrifying that swim was,” Albiero said. “All credit to Adam with his poise and focus. He is just a freshman and that race is one of the last in the meet. He had to stay focused for a long time. That is not an easy place to be. He made me, his team and the University of Louisville look great.”
Albiero attributes Madarassy’s success to focus and preparation among such stiff competition. “The NCAA has deep swimming with times faster than the Olympics,” Albiero said. “Adam is a very focused young man, and a lot of credit goes to him.”
The Hungarian native broke two school records at the NCAA meet in the 100- and 200-fly, bringing the number of new school records this season to 32, an astounding accomplishment for any athletic program.
The U of L swimming and diving teams will compete in the U.S. Spring Senior Nationals April 1-6 in Indianapolis.
