MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.?Kentucky swimmer Eric McGinnis will represent the United States at the World University Games in 2009 in Belgrade, Serbia, after becoming the top American finisher in the 50-freestyle Saturday at the US Open Championships.

McGinnis set a personal-best time en route to out touching every other American collegiate swimmer in the final eight of the 50-free in Minneapolis, Minn. The rising junior for the Blue and White clocked in with a time of 22.35 good for a silver medal at the meet, and top American time.

The US Open determines that the highest placing American athlete in each event who will be enrolled as a full-time university student through Jan. 1, 2009 will be invited to the World University Games Team.

Jonathon Newton, an Australian, was among the field at the US Open and claimed the top spot in the event with a time of 22.17.

McGinnis appeared in the US Open after securing the ninth best American time in the event through a time trial at the US Olympic Trials in early July. In Omaha, McGinnis claimed a then personal-best time with a 22.40 finish which earned him the third overall seed in this week?s meet.

In the morning?s preliminary swim he tapped the wall in a dead heat with Michael Richards in a time of 22.46 for the second seed. In the evening?s race McGinnis and Richards nearly came in with the same time as well, but McGinnis out touched his competitor who finished with a 22.39 clip.

The World University Games are set for July 2-7, 2009 in Serbia.

Stay tuned to UKathletics.com for continuing coverage of the UK swimming and diving team.