Michigan swimmer Jen Crisman accomplished something that few athletes can. She went out as a champion.
- Paul Wong
- Jen Crisman has excelled in Canham Natatorium, and leaves the swimming world with a plethora of accolades. She will now try her hand at water polo.<br><br>DANNY MOLOSHOK/Daily
After leading the Wolverines to their 13th Big Ten Title and an 18th -place finish at the NCAA Championships in her senior season, Crisman had one final mountain to climb international competition.
Last week she led a contingent of Michigan swimmers to the World University Games in Beijing, China.
When the dust settled, Crisman had three medals around her neck.
She competed in five different events, winning a gold medal as part of the United States” 400-meter freestyle relay, a silver in the 400-meter medley relay and a bronze in the 100-meter freestyle. Crisman posted lifetime bests in all five events.
“She swam really well,” Michigan coach Jim Richardson said. “This was the last meet of her life, and she ended things on a great note.”
Her career as a swimmer may be over, but she will still be able to be seen swimming hard in Canham Natatorium.
Crisman will be a member of the water polo team this fall, while continuing her postgraduate education at Michigan.
Crisman is anxiously awaiting the beginning of the water polo season. She was not able to compete much last season due to her swimming commitments.
The Wolverines” other representative at the World University Games was senior Lindsay Carlberg, who placed sixth in the 200-meter backstroke.
“Lindsay did great this was her first time competing overseas,” Richardson said. “This should really help her confidence for next year.”
Richardson debated making the trip himself, but when he saw the price of the ticket he opted to stay at home.
“This is a great life experience for the girls,” Richardson said. “It”s not every day that you can visit China and the Great Wall.”
Michigan takes great pride in placing swimmers in international events.
“That was our No. 1 goal from day one,” Richardson said. “That was more important than Big Tens or the NCAA Championships. I”m happy we met our goals by sending Jen and Lindsay.”
The journey begins anew for the Wolverines in October. Michigan will travel to face Florida in a dual meet on the 19th and in a relay meet the following day.
Senior breaststroker and medley swimmer Andrea Kurrle and Carlberg will serve as captains during the upcoming season.