Multi-time NCAA scorer Javier Avevedo announced on Instagram that he will not be competing for the Georgia Bulldogs this year, and instead will take a redshirt as he prepares for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Quick life update: I just want to announce that I am taking an Olympic redshirt. This wasn’t an easy decision but after discussing with my family, coaches, and teammates it’s the best decision for me to swim my absolute best this year. I’m so glad I get to spend the year in Athens focusing on the Olympics! And can’t wait to watch my teammates this year kick ass! See you next year @ugaswimdive ✌🏼and hello #progroup
Acevedo competes for Canada internationally, and won medals at the 2017 World Championships as part of both of Canada’s mixed relays there. This summer, he made finals in the 200 IM, 100 back, and 200 back at the Pan American Games, just missing out on a medal with a 4th-place finish in the 200 back.
The would-be rising senior missed a good chunk of last season with an injury, but managed to make it back in time for NCAAs. He scored 21 points for Georgia across the 200 IM, 100 back, and 200 back after scoring 6 points in 2017 and 18 points in 2018. The Bulldogs uncharacteristically struggled last season even with Acevedo, and his redshirt doesn’t help improve their chances to improve on their 18th-place finish this year.
Under longtime head coach Jack Bauerle, the Bulldogs have been known for keeping a strong focus on LCM competition, so they’re certainly no strangers to Olympic year redshirts. Most notably, Allison Schmitt won three Olympic gold medals in London after redshirting the 2011-2012 year, and Chase Kalisz won silver in Rio after redshirting the 2015-2016. However, both Schmitt and Kalisz primarily trained in different locations those two years, while Acevedo says he plans to stay in Athens for training.
Good Luck. My understanding is that the events he swims are 100 & 200 Back, 200 IM and 100 Free. He is up against 3 ,17 year olds that swim faster then he does in those events, refer to the world juniors , and Marcus.
Funny, Jack wouldn’t allow Javi to swim for team Canada (mutual decision) and Canada misses out on getting their medley qualified for Tokyo by one spot.
As for “known for their LCM?” Please Schmidt and Chase trained under Bob those years
Which relay? He swam poorly at Pan Ams so not sure he would have helped. Marcus Thormeyer has gone right by Him since Javier went to Georgia.
Javier wouldn’t have helped them qualify for Tokyo. Thormeyer has been their main backstroker the past 2 years and Acevedo hasn’t swam very well.
The Canadian men’s medley relay placed 10th at worlds which qualifies them for Tokyo
Good decision, hope it pays off!