Christina Bechtel, a senior member of the University of Kentucky swim team, won her first Southeastern Conference championship last weekend with a victory in the 200-meter butterfly.
It marked back-to-back days in which Bechtel medaled as she placed second in the 100-meter butterfly earlier.
“I feel like I’m on a high right now,” she said. “I’m so excited and proud to be a Wildcat and represent my team. My approach tonight was whatever it takes to win.”
The Franklin High School alum became the 13th Wildcat in history to win a conference title – and the first female to win gold at the SEC meet since 1999.
It was Bechtel’s third medal in her UK career and first under second-year coach Lars Jorgensen.
“Christina swam a great race, that really was a tight 200 butterfly,” Jorgensen said. “She was tough as nails to come away with the victory and I’m really proud of her. It was Christina’s win, but everyone enjoyed it and it was great for UK swimming and diving.”
Betchel edged Georgia’s Hali Flickinger by .10 seconds.
Photo credit: UK Athletics
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