Aug. 4, 2000

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri sophomore LESLIE HOH will spend her last weekend of training in Columbia before heading to Indianapolis, Ind. for the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials. Hoh, who will compete in the 200 and 400 individual medley events, is the first female swimmer to make the U.S. Olympic Trials in MU Coach BRIAN HOFFER's eight years.

Trials begin on Wednesday, Aug. 9 and run through Aug. 16. Hoh will compete in the 400 IM on day one next Wednesday, and will race on Friday in the 200 IM. The top two finishers in each event will make the Olympic Team, which makes Hoh a long shot. Hoffer would like to see his top female swimmer turn in solid times and be able to advance to a second swim.

"Leslie is going to be competing against all of the best 200 and 400 IM swimmers in the United States," said Hoffer. "We would love to get through the first round and have a chance at a second swim."

Hoh placed second in the 400 IM at the 2000 Big 12 Championships in March and was an NCAA qualifier. Her top time in long-course meters in the 400 IM is four minutes, 57 seconds. Her best finish in the 200 IM is two minutes, 20 seconds. Both of those bests were accomplished at last summer's Junior Nationals. She will have to improve on both times to advance in the U.S. Olympic Trials.

"As young as she is, this in an exciting time for Leslie," said Hoffer. "At 19 years old, she is going to be competing against the best, from ages 15-to-34. Leslie has not missed a workout and she is in the best shape of her life."

Hoh will not be only Missouri Tiger competing in Indianapolis next week. Senior MIKE CERVENKA, who has been training with his club team in Plymouth, Minn., will race in the 200 freestyle on Thursday. Like Hoh, Cervenka is the first male swimmer under Hoffer to make the U.S. Olympic Trials.

"Having Leslie and Mike at the Olympic Trials really says a lot for where Missouri's swimming and diving program is going." said Hoffer. "Next week is going to be a tremendous experience for both of them."