NC State junior Justin Ress cemented his status as one of the rising stars of world swimming, as he was named World University Games’ Most Decorated Male Athlete on Monday morning. Ress had a stellar week in Taiwan, earning three gold medals and one silver.
On the first day of action, Ress competed in the 400-meter freestyle relay and swam the third leg of the race. His time of 48.07 gave the USA the lead, and they completed the relay in 3:14.01 seconds and won gold.
He then continued his success on day two in the 100 backstroke, completing the race in 53.29 and securing another gold medal.
The fourth day of competition saw Ress win silver in the 50 backstroke. He was unlucky not to walk away with another gold, as his time of 24.73 was only 0.1 of a second behind gold-medalist Shane Ryan of Ireland.
Determined to go out on a high note, the final day saw Ress win gold yet again, this time in the 400 Medley Relay. Starting things off for the USA, Ress finished the backstroke split in 53.44 and put the team in a strong position from the outset.
Head Coach Braden Holloway, who was part of the USA coaching staff at the World University Games, was immensely pleased to Ress honored.
“We are proud of our very own Justin Ress for his performances at the World University Games” he said. “Being named the most decorated male athlete of the games is a huge accomplishment and testament to his continued strive to improve. From his performances at World Championship Trials, World Championships and the World University Games, Justin has set himself up to be a leader for the USA for years to come.”
Ress is now back in Raleigh and preparing for the 2017-18 season with the Wolfpack.
Press release courtesy of NC State Athletics
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Congratulations
Very cool picture.