BYU swimmers finish strong in international competition

PROVO, Utah–BYU sophomore Luis Ventura and two other international swimmers with BYU connections participated in international competition in July and August, including the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia.

Ventura and former BYU swimmers Andrew Rutherfurd and Rafael Alfaro all participated in the World Championships from July 24-August 9. Alfaro, who recently graduated from BYU, also competed in the Pan American games in Toronto, Canada, from July 10-26 before heading to the World Championships.

“It’s exciting to have BYU swimmers representing the school at the highest level,” BYU head swim coach John Brooks said. “These swimmers are not only representing at a high level, but they are also competing and improving on their individual times. It’s amazing to see them representing the team and their countries.”

Ventura, who also competed at the National Olympics of Mexico, swam in the 400-meter and 1500-meter freestyle events at the World Championships. He recorded a 15:55.92 finish in the 1500 free, and swam a lifetime best in the 400 free, with a time of 4:00.79.

Rutherfurd, who competed at the World Championships representing Bolivia, recorded a lifetime best in each of his events at the championships. In the mixed 4x100 freestyle relay, he recorded a time of 52.37 for his individual leg, leading the team to a 3:46.46 finish in the event. In the mixed 4x100 medley relay, Rutherfurd swam his leg in 59.14, helping the team to a 4:12.49 finish. After a strong finish to the competition, Rutherfurd will likely go on to compete for Bolivia in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Alfaro, who swam for El Salvador, recorded a lifetime best at the Pan Am Games in the 200-meter individual medley en route to winning the consolation final with a 2:02.55 finish. He then traveled to the World Championships and recorded a 2:05.78 finish in the 200 IM.

Ventura, who will be the only member of the trio returning to BYU this fall, will look to contribute to the team immediately as a sophomore after a successful summer of international competition.