July 22, 2003

Manchester, England - Competing in the British National Long Course Championships in Manchester, England July 18-20 former Missouri Tiger swimmer Matt Ferrarelli rounded out the three day competition with first, second, and fourth-place finishes.

On the first day of competition, the Retford Nott native finished fourth in the 200 meter backstroke with a time of 2:05.65. The second day proved to be Ferrarelli's best day of competition as he won the 400 individual medley race with a time of 4:25.21. This is Ferrarelli's first National Championship. On Sunday, day three of competition, Ferrarelli finished second in the 200 IM with a time of 2:06.08.

The British National Championships was the first time Ferrarelli had competed in England after competing in the Olympic Trials in 2000. He had been unable to compete in England in previous years due to the college swimming season and two elbow injuries sustained during 2001 and 2002.

Ferrarelli finished up the 2002-2003 Mizzou season as Big 12 Champion in the 400 IM and a 13th-place finish at the NCAA Championships also in the 400 IM.

Missouri Head Swimming Coach Brian Hoffer had nothing but praise for Ferrarelli and his achievements throughout the year.

"Coach Anne Sievers and Matt came up with a great plan to have him ready for his National Championships and it worked to perfection. Matt has been on a roll since winning the Big 12 crown back in February and he has not slowed in his efforts. This should turn a few heads back in England as he approaches the Olympic year in 2004."