Aug. 10, 2009

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – Andrew Atzhorn advanced to finals in the 400-meter individual medley to highlight a strong week at the U.S. Open for the South Carolina senior swimmer. Atzhorn competed in three events in one of the final long-course events of the summer before the start of the collegiate season.

“Andy had an outstanding meet,” head coach McGee Moody said. “He has taken his commitment level one step higher, and it showed this week. He’s dropped nearly 10 seconds off his 400 IM, which is almost unheard of. I’m proud of the way he competed, he did a great job for South Carolina and he’s prepared to lead our team this season.”

Atzhorn qualified for the “C” final in the 400 IM on Wednesday with a preliminary time of 4:28.72. He would then best that time by nearly two seconds in the evening’s final, turning in a 4:26.90 in the final for a 19th place finish.

The senior from Gulf Breeze, Fla., also competed in the 200 IM and the 200 back during the week. He just missed the finals in the 200 IM with a time of 2:05.53, and touched in the 200 back in 2:05.71. In addition, Atzhorn swam a time trial in the 200 breaststroke and turned in a lifetime-best.

Atzhorn and the Gamecocks begin the 2009-10 dual meet season Oct. 9 when they host Kentucky at the Carolina Natatorium.