July 21, 2006
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Former Northwestern swimmer and cross country runner Lesley Meade will compete at the 2006 ITU World Championships U23 Team in Lausanne, Switzerland Sept. 3. The team consists of five men and five women all who are of age 23 and under.
Meade, a two-time academic all-Big Ten selection, lettered two years in 2003 and '04 and also was a member of the swim team for two years in 2001 and '02. The triathlon consists of a one-mile swim, a 40K bike race and a 10K run.
"Lesley is a very hard worker," head coach Amy Tush said. "She deserves this opportunity of a lifetime. Right from the start I could see potential in her running ability. The very next year, she fought her way into the top three on the team. She represents what our team is about. Hard work and dedication will open doors for you. I am so proud of her and wish her the best of luck at the World Championships. She will represent Northwestern cross country very well."
Meade qualified for the World Championships with a 13th place finish (2:11.43) at the Canadian National Championships in Brampton, Ontario earlier this month. She was the fourth American to cross the finish line.
All athletes selected to the 2006 U23 World Championships Team are required to attend the World Championships Preparation Training Camp to be held in Germany Aug. 20-30.