Updated July 8, 2008
OMAHA, Nebraska, July 7. ACCORDING to several unnamed sources close to the situation, Kara Lynn Joyce had to make some quick turnaround plans to head back to the West Coast as she was added to the U.S. Olympic Roster. USA Swimming then confirmed the roster move the following day in a press release reprinted at the bottom of this article.
Joyce will be going to Palo Alto, Calif., to train with the rest of the team that qualified through Trials based on her seventh-place finish in the women's 100 free.
The University of Georgia confirmed the addition via a press release sent out later in the evening:
Former Lady Bulldog Kara Lynn Joyce has been named to the U.S. Olympic team after USA Swimming announced Monday that Dara Torres will not swim the 100m individual event in Beijing. Kara Lynn finished seventh in the 100m free with a 55.02, posting her fastest time of the meet
(54.66) in the prelims. So, she's made a quick turn-around in her travel arrangements to join the U.S. training camp in Palo Alto, Calif.
"Kara Lynn is very excited despite the logistics, and she's thrilled to be on the team," said Jack Bauerle, head coach of the U.S. women's squad. "We feel it's best for Dara to focus on the 50 and the relays, so that presented an opening. Kara Lynn is the right person for the job. This is not only a great opportunity for her, but we feel that she's capable of swimming pretty darn fast. This decision is in the best interest of our team."
With the appointment, Kara Lynn will be making her second trip to the Olympics. In 2004, she earned a pair of silver medals in the 4x100m free relay (American record) and 4x100m medley relay. She also placed fifth in the 50m and 100m free events.
USA Swimming Release:
Kara Lynn Joyce (Ann Arbor, Mich.) has been added to the roster of the U.S. Olympic Swim Team, it was announced today. Joyce, who finished seventh in the 100m freestyle at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, will be added as a 4x100m freestyle relay alternate. The addition comes after the voluntary withdrawal from the individual 100m freestyle event by top qualifier Dara Torres (Los Angeles, Calif.). The top six finishers in both the men's and women's 100m and 200m freestyle qualified for the Olympic Team.
All members of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team are eligible to compete on relays, which are selected by the coaching staff while at the Olympic Games.
Additionally, fifth-place qualifier in the 100m freestyle, Emily Silver (Bainbridge Island, Wash.), underwent outpatient hand surgery today at Stanford University Medical Center. The surgery was performed by Dr. Jeff Yao. Silver will report to training camp this afternoon and is expected to return to swimming in one week. She is expected to participate at the 2008 Olympic Games.
