WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – University of Iowa Swimming and Diving posted the program’s sixth-fastest time in the 800-freestyle relay at the Big Ten Championships inside the Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center on Wednesday evening.
Freshmen Jenna Kerr and Olivia Swalley, along with sophomores Sabina Kupcova and Scarlet Martin touched the wall in 7:12.57 to finish ninth overall. The Hawkeyes’ season-best mark entered the quartet into the Iowa record books, updating the performance list for the first time since 2021.
Kerr’s leadoff leg was clocked at 1:46.97 – good for fifth individually in program history.
The Hawkeyes finished 11th in the 200 medley relay, clocking a time of 1:40.59. Kennedy Gilbertson was first in the pool for Iowa, followed by Swalley, Martin and Kerr.
The divers participated in a team exhibition and claimed eighth with 258.05 points.
“We had a solid start tonight,” said head coach Nathan Mundt. “Our 800 free relay went out strong and had a great performance. The divers combined for a top-eight finish in the team diving exhibition, which was an exciting event. After tonight, we are excited for the first full day of competition tomorrow.”
Iowa completed day one with 72 points. Competition resumes Thursday morning at 9 a.m. (CT) with the preliminary rounds of the 500 freestyle, 200 individual medley and 50 freestyle. The trials of the one-meter dive begin at 11 a.m. The finals, along with the 400 medley relay, begin at 4:30 p.m.
HAWKEYE RESULTS
Women’s 200 Medley Relay
11. Gilbertson, Swalley, Martin, Kerr – 1:40.59
Women’s 800 Free Relay
9. Kerr, Kupcova, Swalley, Martin – 7:12.57, SB + 6th at Iowa
Team Diving Exhibition
8. Iowa – 258.05 points