June 14, 2013

U.S. Olympic Achievement Award Recipients

ORLANDO, Fla.—The University of Virginia Athletics Department was presented with the U.S. Olympic Achievement Award Friday (June 14) at the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup Luncheon as part of the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors Convention.

UVa was one of 39 institutions honored by the United States Olympic Committee, its National Governing Bodies and NACDA for having a current student-athlete who was part of a medal-winning performance or a coach who was an official member of the U.S. Olympic or Paralympic delegation and led his or her athlete or team to a medal.

Virginia earned the award based on senior swimmer Lauren Perdue’s performance at the 2012 London Olympics. Perdue earned a gold medal as part of the U.S. women’s 4x200-meter freestyle relay.

Perdue was a 19-time ACC Champion,16-time All-American and was named the ACC Swimmer of the Championships three times in her four years at Charlottesville.

In addition to Perdue, former Cavaliers Matt McLean (Class of 2011, men’s swimming) and Becky Sauerbrunn (Class of 2007, women’s soccer) also earned gold in London.

Overall, 35 coaches representing 29 institutions helped Team USA produce medals in nine sports, and 28 U.S. athletes from 18 collegiate programs garnered 34 medals in London last summer.

The U.S. Olympic Achievement Award is presented every two years following the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Two versions of the award are given, including a medal that will be presented to each institution's director of athletics and a presentation piece that may be showcased in the athletics department.