Theilemann qualifies for U.S. Open

Tara Theilemann became the third Carson Tigershark swimmer to qualify for the U.S. Open when she placed sixth in the 200-yard freestyle at the United States Junior National Swimming Championships in Long Beach, Calif.

Theilemann joins Lauren Costella and Justin Barber, who have qualified for the U.S. Open to be held in December in Minneapolis. The U.S. Open features top international swimmers. Barber qualified for the U.S. Open earlier in the week at the junior nationals.

"I'm quite happy with that," said Tigershark coach Jim Puleo about sending three swimmers to the U.S. Open.

Theilemann swam to a personal best of one minute, 51.57 seconds in qualifying sixth for the finals. She then lowered her time to 1:50.82 in placing sixth in the finals.

Barber also swam to a personal best of 54.52 in the 100 butterfly. The meet concludes today, with Barber swimming in the 1,650 free.

"I'm really happy with the way these guys are swimming," said Puleo about Barber and Theilemann.