March 22, 2013

PONTEVEDRA, Spain — South Carolina junior Gerard Rodriguez won bronze in the 200-meter freestyle on Friday at the Spanish World Championship Trials to earn a roster spot on the Spanish National Team for the 2013 FINA World Championships in Barcelona, Spain.

A native of Badalona, Spain, Rodriguez needed to finish in the top four in the event to earn a position on the 800-meter freestyle relay team. He swam a 1:51.25 in the final to finish third, securing his spot on the team. By making the 800 freestyle relay team, Rodriguez will also be able to swim the 200 freestyle at the World Championships, which will be held July 19 through Aug. 4.

“I’m so proud of the progress Gerard has made,” South Carolina head coach McGee Moody said. “He has earned and deserves this opportunity to represent Spain at the World Championships. He’s one of the hardest workers on the team, and we are lucky to have him at South Carolina.”

Freshman Marwan El Kamash (Egypt) and junior Matt Navata (Philippines) will also attempt to make the World Championships roster for their respective countries this summer. Both will try to qualify at the Charlotte Grand Prix in May.

Rodriguez has a busy week ahead of him as he will fly from Spain to Indianapolis, Ind., on Monday to meet up with Gamecock teammates Michael Flach, Alex Fitton, Jay Warner and El Kamash for the 2013 NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships. The Gamecocks are set to compete at the championships next Thursday through Saturday at the IU Natatorium.