Ali Galyer to Represent New Zealand for 2018 Pan Pacific Championships

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky junior Ali Galyer has committed to representing New Zealand in the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Swimming New Zealand announced Sunday evening.
 
“Representing New Zealand has always been a dream of mine, so being able to represent them at Pan Pacs is always something I’ve wanted to do,” said Galyer. “With Tokyo 2020 being my ultimate goal, having the support of New Zealand and the UK coaches will help push me in the right direction.
 
Galyer is coming off a lifetime best performance in the 200-meter backstroke at the 2018 Phillips 66 National Championships, where finished eighth overall in the event. Her time of 2:09.77 currently ranks 17th in the world based on two athletes per nation.
 
“Swimming competitively for Kentucky has taught me how to compete at a high level,” added Galyer. “That’s a skill I can rely on in international meets.”
 
Already a three-time First Team All-American, Galyer has seen great success for Kentucky. In her sophomore season, the Greenville, South Carolina, native earned the Southeastern Conference bronze medal in the 200-yard backstroke before finishing sixth overall in the event at the 2018 NCAA Championships.
 
“Ali has really worked hard for this opportunity,” said Kentucky head coach Lars Jorgensen. “I think she’s going to do some great things internationally.”
 
Born in Brisbane, Australia, Galyer holds citizenship in the United States, New Zealand and Australia. Her father, Roy Galyer, hails from New Zealand, while her mother, Sandy, is an Australian citizen.
 
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