Background
Robert Owen was born and raised in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Growing up he swam for Crimson Aquatics, and competed at the 2012 Olympic Trials in the 200 backstroke and 400 IM. In 2013 he won highpoint at the first ever NCSA long course junior nationals. He is also a two time Scholastic All-American
College
Robert Owen committed to Virginia Tech in the fall of 2012, and has made an impact on the team from the moment he set foot on campus.
2013-2014
At the 2014 ACC championships, Owen set the school record in the 400IM in a time of 3:45.24, and would finish 6th in the event overall. He also placed in the top 8 in the 200 backstroke finishing 8th, shortly after competing in the mile that afternoon. Owen was also selected to compete in the 2014 NCAA championships, where he swam both the 200 backstroke and 400 IM.
2014-2015
As a sophomore, Robert Owen continued to rewrite the record books at Virginia Tech breaking the school record in the 400IM in a time of 3:41.79. This performance would also win him his first individual ACC title. Owen also finished 4th in the 200 backstroke in a time of 1:41.21, and 15th in the 100 backstroke in a time of 48.55. Following the ACC championships, Owen set the then 7th fastest time in the world in the 200 backstroke LCM at 1:58.58. At the 2015 NCAA championships, Robert would earn 2 honorable mention all-american awards for his 10th place finish in the 400 IM and his 14th place finish in the 200 backstroke.
He was honored at the 2015 Gobbler Awards as the “breakout performer of the year” for the swim team.
Personal
Robert Owen is majoring in mechanical engineering and is an avid fan of Boston sports.
