Fitter and Faster Swim Camps is a proud sponsor of SwimSwam's college recruiting channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported their journey.
Elena Lopes, a member of the Brazilian junior national team, has signed with the University of Georgia and is expected to arrive in Athens this fall. Lopes has also represented Brazil on the international stage and was a member of the Brazil A team that competed in the South American Youth Championships in 2021. She currently swims for Minas Tennis Club in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
I am honored to announce that I will be attending the University of Georgia. Now I will focus on my academics and swimming career. It was hard to get there, but I had so many special people supporting me and I am thankful every day. I would like to especially thank my parents and family for always being there for me, my friends and teammates for their support and encouragement, and lastly, my coaches for never giving up on me. This is the beginning of a new chapter! Good luck, Duggs! 🐾❤️🐾
Best time: LCM (converted to SCY)
- 50 Free: 26.13 (22.91)
- 100 Free: 56.96 (50.91)
- 200m Freestyle: 2:06.98 (1:51.05)
- 100 butterfly: 1:04.11 (56.28)
Lopez recently competed at this summer's Olympic qualifier, the 2024 Brazilian Swimming Championships (LCM), where she set personal bests in all four major events: 26.13 seconds in the 50m freestyle, 56.96 seconds in the 100m freestyle, 2:06.98 seconds in the 200m freestyle and 1:04.11 seconds in the 100m butterfly.
Last season, the Georgia women's team finished fifth at the SEC Championships and 13th at the NCAA Championships. Despite earning 116 points at the NCAAs, they earned zero points in the three shortest sprint freestyle events. Lopez will add depth to the Bulldogs' sprint freestyle group. Her converted times would rank sixth in the 50 freestyle, 12th in the 100 freestyle and 12th in the 200 freestyle on Georgia's 2023-2024 roster. And by the time Lopez arrives on campus, three of Georgia's top sprinters, Zoe Hartman, Sloane Reinstein and Jillian Bursick, will have graduated.
To score in this year's SECs, he needed times of 22.64, 49.33 and 1:47.18 in the 50/100/200 freestyle and 53.16 in the 100 butterfly.
This fall, the Bulldogs welcome back Lopez, Arizona State transfer Ieva Malka and freshmen Marie Landreneau, Elle Knocker, Simany Lee, Katie Bell Sykes and Sami Rydzewski for the Class of 2024. Lopez will arrive on campus with a talented training group, as Lee, Landreneau and Sykes all specialize in the same trio of 50/100/200 freestyles.
If you are willing to report it, please send us an email with a photo (landscape or horizontal is best) and a citation. [email protected].
About the Healthier and Faster Swimming Tour
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps provide the most innovative instruction platform for competitive swimmers at all levels. Camps are held year-round throughout the U.S. and Canada. All camps are taught by elite swimmers and coaches. To find or request a swim camp near you, visit fitterandfaster.com.
FFT Social
Instagram – @fitterandfasterswimtour
Facebook – @fitterandfastertour
twitter – Fitter and Faster
FFT is a partner of SwimSwam.
