Oct. 20, 2000
The UNLV community took time on Thursday to honor seven Rebel athletes who achieved the honor of competing in the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, Australia. Four members of the Rebel swimming program were among those seven.
"I'm very proud of the accomplishments of all of our student athletes and coaches," said Athletic Director Charles Cavagnaro, "but we are particularly proud of those who represented UNLV at an international level. We are here today to honor those individuals who had a chance to do what most of us only dream of, and that is to compete against the world's best. They competed under flags of various countries, but they also, in our hearts, competed as Rebels."
UNLV graduate Mike Mintenko reached the finals in three events for Canada, finishing fifth in the 100 butterfly (52.58), sixth in the 4x100 medley relay (3:39.88) and seventh in the 4x200 freestyle relay (7:21.92). The former Rebel also broke his own Canadian record in the 100. He swam the third leg in the medley relay, second in the freestyle relay.
"I had a blast at the Olympics," said Mintenko. "Being in that environment and seeing how close I got to winning a medal showed me that there are bigger and better things out there. Overall, the experience was really amazing. For me, going to UNLV was a stepping stone to getting to the Olympics. There are a lot of people like Vaune Kadlubek (Academic Advisor) and Jim Reitz (UNLV Head Coach) who had a lot to do with it. I would also just like to take this time to thank all of those people for being part of it."
UNLV Junior Lorena Diaconescu swam three events for Romania and almost medaled in the 4x200 freestyle relay. She and her teammates took fourth in 8:01.63, trailing the record-setting U.S., Australian and German teams. Romania also placed 12th in the 4x100 freestyle relay and 18th in the 4x100 medley relay.
"I would have liked to win a medal," said Diaconescu, "but that is okay, because I know I swam well."
Swimming for Puerto Rico, junior Andrew Livingston finished 13th overall in the 200 butterfly in 1:58.63 and 32nd in the 100 butterfly in 55.03.
"I had a really good experience representing, not only Puerto Rico, but UNLV as well," said Livingston. "It was really great getting together with all the other athletes out there."
Junior Jacint Simon helped Hungary to a tenth place finish in the 4x200 freestyle relay. The foursome placed fifth in its heat with a time of 7:24.48. Simon was also the men's 2000 Mountain West Conference Swimmer of the Year.
"It was such a great experience being part of the opening ceremonies," said Simon. "I met a lot of great people and it was nice having so many other Rebels there as well."
UNLV takes to the pool this Saturday for the 12th annual Fall Invite held at the Buchanan Natatorium, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The team begins dual meet competition on Friday, October 27 when the Rebels travel to Arizona State.
