Oakland's Tomeckova has Impressive Showing at the Arena Grand Prix

ORLANDO, Fla. - Karin Tomeckova concluded her impressive showing at the Arena Grand Prix in Orlando Saturday evening with an eighth-place finish in the women's 200 LC backstroke, finishing the race among the world's elite with a time of 2:17.00.

Most importantly, Tomeckova recorded an "A" standard qualifying time for the 2014 European Championships, which will be held this August in Berlin, Germany. Tomeckova, a native of Bratislava, Slovakia, will represent her home country in both the 100 and 200 backstroke.

"I believe that the summer season is going to be amazing this year because I was already able to swim my personal best," Tomeckova said of her efforts thus far.

Coming off a ninth-place finish in the 100 back Friday evening, Tomeckova earned a spot in the A Finals with a preliminary time of 2:16.52. In the final, Tomeckova started strong with a 50 split of 31.24, third-best among the field. But the Oakland sophomore was unable to keep up her blistering pace to take eighth place among a field of 85 preliminary competitors. She entered the race ranked 15th in the field.

"Karin didn't have the swim she wanted to tonight and took it out too aggressively," said Oakland assistant coach Katie Sullivan, who was with Tomeckova at the event. "But that's part of the learning process. This was a great opportunity to swim against world-class athletes. Now we focus on the Horizon League Championship meet."

Tomeckova returns home and will aid Oakland University when the Golden Grizzlies take part in the 2014 Horizon League Championship, hosted by Cleveland State University Feb. 26-March 1.

**Release courtesy of Oakland Athletic Communications.