Louisville swimming star Clark Burckle finally earned his moment in the spotlight on Friday night, competing in the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. He swam the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:09.97 to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The 2006 St. Xavier High School graduate's second-place finish upset the favorites.
Scott Weltz won in 2:09.01, and Burckle finished just .08 seconds ahead of Eric Shanteau. Weltz and Burckle will represent the United States at the Olympics in London. “I can’t even put it into words right now,” Burckle said. “It’s the epitome of what a swimmer dreams about. ... I’m proud to be a part of what my sister did and a part of this.”
Burckle, 24, was referring to his older sister, Caroline, who swam in the Beijing Olympics and earned a bronze medal on the 800 freestyle relay team. “I was so nervous, I kept trying to tell myself it’s just another race, and I have some world-class competitors next to me and they’re going to take me to a fast time,” Burckle said.
Burckle got his start at Louisville’s Lakeside Swim Club, on Trevillian Way, in the Highlands, and then competed for St. Xavier. Later, he swam for Florida and Arizona, where he was the 2010 NCAA champion in the 200-yard breaststroke. He was third in the 200-meter breaststroke at last year’s nationals and a silver medalist at the Pan American Games in Mexico.
Pat Forde Interview: Clark Burckle earns his place in London with last-second stretch
2012 USA Swimming Olympic Trials - Men's 200m breast stroke
Clark Burckle Mixed Zone Interview D5 200 Breast
