Madeline Barlow, a freshman on the Bloomsburg University women's swimming team, was the only swimmer out of both the men's and women's teams to compete in the NCAA Division II Championships for the "A" time cuts. This was the first time Barlow competed in meets on the NCAA Division II Championship level. She recalls swimming at the NCAA's as great experience and feels that, "it was incredible to be in the midst of such talented swimmers."
Barlow explains her goals for the NCAA Championships were "basically to go out there and give it my all, but most importantly to have fun and enjoy the experience."
While excitement and tension overwhelmed the atmosphere in the gym at this year's NCAA Division II Championships, Barlow kept her focus. In a seemingly intimidating situation, she did not find herself intimidated in any way. However, she admits to initially feeling nervous before the championships. And even still, she was able to rationalize her feelings of nervousness, stating "that is a normal feeling though so I never pay it much attention."
Barlow swam in the 200-IM, the 100-fly, and the 200-back. She finished the 200-IM in 50th place with a time of 2:12.05. She came in 40th in the 100-fly with a time of 59.32 seconds, and took the 35th spot when she swam the 200-back in 2.08.77. She reflects on her performances stating, "I did not perform as well as I had hoped, but that made it all the better of a learning experience." Barlow continued by explaining how the experience in the NCAA Division II Championships "showed me what I must do differently in order to achieve my goals next year." Yet, she concludes saying "Overall, I was happy with the outcome."
Although she fulfilled her goal by making an "A" cut time, Barlow shares the spotlight with her team mates, many of who did make the "B" cuts calling this outcome "a great accomplishment." While she admits how difficult it was to swim alone without her teammates she states, "I know they were all right there supporting me."
Her success at the championships does not demonstrate her talent in a nutshell. Only a freshmen, Barlow made significant accomplishments during the 2009-2010 swimming season which deserve recognition. Two of her many standout performances occurred when she outstandingly set new school records in the 200-IM and the 200-back events. In fact, Barlow's record breaking time for the 200-IM was good enough to shatter a 24 year old school record.
Though she is still only a freshman, Barlow has already accomplished much. In her next three years at Bloomsburg, she hopes to attain All-American status at next year's NCAA Division II Championships.
"I just want to do my best," she concludes- and she clearly has the potential to do just that.
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