Port Clinton’s Meek makes Olympic Trials cut

Port Clinton graduate Cheyenne Meek led off as she and three Ohio State teammates established school and meet records to win the 200 freestyle relay at 1 minute, 43.82 seconds at the Ohio Central Zone Section 3 Speedo Championships in Columbus.

Meek’s 50 split of 26.13 seconds qualifies her to the Olympic Trials June 26-July 3 next year in Omaha, Neb.

MacKenzie Stewart, another former Redskin, will compete in the 100 breaststroke at Olympic Trials after a qualifying time of 1:11.28 in the spring. Stewart will compete for Virginia Tech as a senior next season.

Meek, who will compete for the Buckeyes as a sophomore next season, swam at sectionals the last four years.

“It’s been a huge goal of mine,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to get my Trials cut. You’ll be competing with the best. Only a few get their cut. It’s an honor.”

Meek’s teammates played a role in her achievement. Ohio State’s Annie Jongekrijg, who also competed on the 200 freestyle relay, achieved an Olympic Trials cut in the open 50 freestyle prior to Meek’s cut.

“Leading up to my cut, she was right there,” Meek said. “The team rallying together was awesome. When I got out of the pool to hugs and congratulations, it was really cool.”

Meek competed in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle for Ohio State as a freshman.

“Coming into the college season, I didn’t know what to expect,” Meek said. “Big Tens was a great feeling to be on the pool deck in scarlet and gray. I really want to score at Big Tens.

“I want to break into the top eight and get on the podium in my events at Big Ten and qualify to nationals. We were sixth in the Big Ten last year. I don’t think that reflects the potential we have. We can break into the top three.”