Thibodeaux named SEC Swimmer of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas senior Kristen Thibodeaux earned Southeastern Conference Female Swimmer of the Week honors Thursday. Thibodeaux, a Spring, Texas, native was victorious in the 200 and 500 freestyle races in a double-dual meet sweep of Denver and Missouri State last weekend. It marked the first time in her career that she earned the SEC Swimmer of the Week honor and the first time she took two wins in a single meet. Thibodeaux’s win in the 200 free was also the first of her career in that event and her time of 1:54.60 was her second best time this year and the fourth best of her career. Thibodeaux earned her third win of the year in the 500 free. “I’m thrilled for Kristen to receive this honor,” said Arkansas head coach Jeff Poppell. “As a fifth year senior that has given so much to the program and the University, I’m very happy to see her receive recognition for her hard work, commitment and dedication to all that she pursues.” Thibodeaux has five wins this season and has earned personal-best times in the 500 free and the 200 fly and tied the best time of her career in the 100 fly. She holds the team’s top times in the 200, 500 and 1,000 free events. Thibodeaux was also a member of the relay teams that hold squad’s season-best times in the 200, 400 and 800 free relays and the 200 medley relay. “I’m shocked!” said Thibodeaux. “I never thought I’d be swimmer of the week in the SEC, but having my teammates and the home crowd behind me, and the new coaches who have pushed me beyond what I ever thought possible in the water, I’m just happy to contribute my part to beat two teams with only 11 swimmers.” With Thibodeaux’s help, the Lady Razorbacks earned two wins in their last double-dual meet, a feat they have not accomplished since the 1999-2000 season. For more information about Arkansas swimming and diving, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.