BYU swimming: pair of BYU swimmers named to Olympic teams

Upperclassmen Rafael Alfaro and Andrew Rutherfurd of BYU learned this week they have made their respective swimming teams to compete in this summer’s London Olympics.

Alfaro, a native of El Salvador and junior-to-be, and Rutherfurd, a dual citizen of the United States and Bolivia and senior-to-be, were selected by FÉdÉration Internationale de Natation (FINA) based on qualifying times.

“It is exciting to have these two represent their countries and BYU as a result of their hard work and training,” BYU head coach John Brooks said.

Alfaro will compete in the 200 individual medley for El Salvador, while Rutherfurd will compete in the 100 freestyle for Bolivia. Alfaro’s uncle, Piero Ferracuti competed for BYU and was in the 1976 Olympics for El Salvador.

Both swimmers have been working out during the spring at BYU. Alfaro has since returned to El Salvador, but will be in London a month before the Olympics begin.

Ralph R. Zobell has worked for BYU Athletic Media Relations in various capacities for over 30 years. You can view his bio at http://byucougars.com/staff/athletics/ralph-zobell or contact him at ralph_zobell@byu.edu.