April 9, 2008

MANCHESTER, England - Former Matador swimmer Emre Celik finished 32nd in a field of 60 at the 9th FINA World Championships yesterday, swimming his specialty, the 100 meter backstroke, in 56.50 seconds. Celik was the second-best finisher form his native Turkey.

Celik continues to make a strong bid for inclusion on the 2008 Olympic contingent from Turkey. Despite failing to qualify for semifinal heats, Celik finished just 5.20 seconds off the lead while swimming in lane eight.

In his two-year career at Northridge Celik established himself as the top backstroke swimmer on the men's side. Celik set school records in both events and also entered the Northridge record books in the 100 fly and 200 individual medley.

Prior to coming to Northridge, Celik claimed the NCAA Division II record in the 100 backstroke.