Aug. 11, 2009

Rome, Italy -- Tiger swimmer Lauren Lavigna finished 12th in the 200-meter backstroke competition of the World Championships held in Rome on July 31. Finishing the semi-finals in a time of 2:10.54, the run through the World Championships was the first of Lavigna's career. Lavinga qualified for the semi-finals in a time of 2:10.03, setting a new Canadian national record.

"We're all proud of Lauren's accomplishments at the biggest meet in the world besides the Olympics," Missouri Head Coach Brian Hoffer said. "This experience will give her added confidence as she enters the 2009-10 college season."

Lavigna, a native of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, enters her junior campaign as a two time letter winner and school record holder in the 200-meter backstroke. The 2009 NCAA qualifier advanced to the World Championships after finishing second (2:12.38) at the National Finals in Montreal, July 11. Lavigna's time was good enough to make the FINA cut, sending her to her first international competition.