Howard sets new personal record in Rio

PHOENIX – Before returning to Grand Canyon for her junior year, swimmer Jade Howard is wrapping up one of her most successful summers in the pool. In case you missed her on your television screen in her neon green swimsuit, Howard departs the 2016 Rio Olympics after representing her home country of Zambia.

Howard entered the 100 meter freestyle with a qualifying time of 58.74. On August 10, she swam the event in 58.47, a time that not only placed her fourth in her heat, but also set a new personal best and Zambian record.

"The Olympics were such an incredible experience," Howard said. "I feel so honored and blessed to have been given the opportunity."

Although the dynamic swimmer was just short of qualifying for the Olympic semi-finals, she still departs Rio de Janiero with a personal victory after making an incredible stride in her time.

"Jade did a wonderful job here in Rio," Head Coach Steve Schaffer said. "Because of the pressure to perform on the Olympic stage, the vast majority of swimmers do not improve on their entry times, but Jade rose to the occasion [setting a new Zambian record]."

"It's the biggest stage any athlete can dream of competing at," Howard added. "I loved being able to represent my country and GCU in Rio."

Now with two Olympic Games behind her - after also competing in London in 2012 - Howard is already looking ahead to the 2017 World Championships in Hungary.

"She had worked hard all year to reach this point and her hard work paid off," Schaffer continued. "I am proud of her and our entire staff for the work they all did."

Grand Canyon University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Jade Howard

Related Videos