Johnson and Byrne to Represent Tulane at NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships

NEW ORLEANS – The Tulane University swimming and diving team made history on Wednesday, as senior Olivia Johnson and freshman Lilly Byrne were selected to participate in the 2020 NCAA Division I Women's Swimming and Diving Championships.

Johnson and Byrne's invitation to the NCAA Championships marks the first time since the program was reinstated in 2003-04 season that the Green Wave has sent two individuals to the national meet.

"This really is a team accomplishment," head coach Leah Stancil said. "I'm really excited for Lilly and Olivia and I think a lot their success has come from our team pushing them every day in practice. For two individuals to qualify for nationals truly shows that our program is headed in the right direction and has laid the foundation for future success. I could not be more proud of their accomplishments."

Between the two individuals, the Green Wave will be represented in three separate events. Both Johnson and Byrne will compete against one another in the 500 and 1,650 freestyle events. Johnson will be Tulane's lone participant in the 400 IM.

Johnson and Byrne received their invitations less than two weeks after both individuals posted strong performances at the 2020 American Athletic Conference Championships in Houston.

Byrne made three trips to the medal stand at the AAC Championships en route to earning Freshman of the Year honors. She also finished runner-up in the 500 freestyle (4:42.78) and 1,650 freestyle (16:15.69) events. Both performances served as school records.

Johnson enters the national meet after she captured her third career gold medal at the AAC Championships by successfully defending her 400 IM title finishing in a school-record time of 4:07.72. The West Lafayette, Indiana, native closed the league championships by making three trips to the medal stand.

Be sure to follow the program on Facebook and Twitter(@GreenWaveSwim) and on Instagram (@TulaneSwimDive). Fans can also follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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Johnson and Byrne to Represent Tulane at NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships

Players Mentioned

Lilly Byrne

Olivia Johnson

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