UW-La Crosse's Sims Set To Compete In World Para Swimming World Series
**Release courtesy of UW-La Crosse Sports Information
Copenhagen 2018 World Para Swimming World Series Results
LA CROSSE, Wis.--UW-La Crosse freshman swimmer Natalie Sims of Edina, Minn. (H.S.) will represent the United States at the Copenhagen 2018 World Para Swimming World Series March 2-4 in the Bellahoej Svoemmestadion in Copenhagen, Denmark. More than 200 athletes are expected to compete in the event.
Sims will swim in four events, including the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, and 200-meter individual medley.
"I qualified for Paralympics when I swam my first ever meet in 2013 at the University of Minnesota pool," said Sims, who also competed in the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016, finishing eighth in the 400-meter freestyle.
"Paralympics has given me the opportunity to travel the world and be a part of an amazing team," added Sims. "It is an honor and a privilege to represent the United States and has provided me memories that I will forever cherish."
She attended Edina High School (Minn.) and competed at her YMCA's swim club, the Minneapolis Otters, where she first qualified for the Paralympics. She has named to the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Emerging Team and competed in the 2014 Can-Am Paralympic Championships in Edmonton.
Sims is a communications major and sociology minor at UWL, and found the campus, as well as the swimming program, to be a perfect fit.
"It wasn't too far from home, and when I first toured here, I could instantly see myself coming to UWL," said Sims. "I met with Coach King and we got along great. He has been an advocate for me and my Paralympic swimming journey.
"I joined the team midway through the season, and I have never felt so welcomed by the coaches and my teammates," added Sims. "At every practice and every meet everybody is encouraging and supportive of each other."
Sims has competed in the 100 and 200-yard freestyle for the Eagles this season, recording season-best times of 59.22 in the 100 freestyle and 2:07.30 in the 200 freestyle versus UW-Whitewater February 3.
Sims will compete in 100-meter freestyle event Friday, March 2, the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly Saturday, March 3, and 200-meter individual medley Sunday, March 4.
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