INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Indianapolis swimming program will be well represented at the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio later this summer. Recent UIndy alumnus Dalton Herendeen ('15) will represent the United States at the 2016 Paralympics, while incoming freshman Sotia Neofytou will compete from her native Cyprus at the Summer Games.
 
After qualifying for a spot on the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Team last month, Herendeen will become a two-time Paralympian in a few weeks. The Elkhart, Ind., native – who, due to a blood clot, had his left leg amputated below the knee shortly after birth – competed for Team U.S.A. at the 2012 games in London, racing in the 100-meter breaststroke SB8, 100m backstroke S10, 100m butterfly S10, 200m individual medley SM10 and 400m freestyle S10.
 
He is already a veteran of international competition, having also swum at the 2014 Pan Pacific Para-Swimming Championships in Pasadena, Calif., the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, UK and the 2015 CanAm Para-Swimming Championships in Toronto, setting the American and PanAm records for the men's 100m breast SB8 at the latter meet.
 
Neofytou, meanwhile, will be one of just two Cypriots swimming at the Games. Her home country received an invitation from FINA, the international governing body for swimming, to send two swimmers (one male, one female) to the Olympics. Having met certain time standards, Neofytou received the only female invite and will represent Cyprus in the 100-meter butterfly.
 
"The opportunity to represent your country at the Olympic Games is an honor few get to experience," said UIndy swimming and diving head coach Jason Hite. "We couldn't be any more proud for former-Hound Dalton Herendeen and future-Hound Sotia Neophytou.
 
"I know the experience Sotia gains in Rio will help her as she begins her career at UIndy, as well as help our women's team to climb to the top of both the GLVC and Division II."
 
The 2016 Summer Olympics are scheduled for Aug. 5-21, while the 2016 Summer Paralympics are set for Sept. 7-18 – both in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.