August 20, 2007
Texas A&M swimmers Kristen Heiss (Casper, Wyo.) and Emily Neal (Plano) will compete for the United States at the 2007 Japan International Grand Prix in Chiba this week.
Heiss, the reigning Big 12 Swimmer of the Year, ranks No. 19 in the world this year in the 200-meter backstroke after recording a time of 2:11.59 at the U.S. National Championships. The Aggie junior will swim the 100 and 200 back, 400 freestyle, and 200 individual medley for the American team.
Neal, who will begin her sophomore year at A&M next week, recorded a time of 2:15.11 in the 200-meter backstroke at U.S. nationals to earn a spot on the team. Neal, like Heiss, will swim the 100 and 200 back and 200 IM, but will swim the 400 IM instead of the 400 free.
The U.S. carried a squad of 34 women to Japan last Thursday to begin preparation for this week?â„¢s Grand Prix meet. The meet is the final major national/international competition for U.S. swimmers until late November.