MOCS AT THE OLYMPICS: Viberti Shines in Olympic Debut

PARIS, France – Ludovico Viberti shined in his Olympic debut with an incredible tie for eighth in the 100 breaststroke semifinals on the opening day of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
 
"Competing in the Olympics was an amazing feeling," said Viberti of his Olympic run. "Overall, I am very happy with my performance, but the goal was to reach the final. I was very close, and it hurts to not achieve that, but I keep my head up and was able to learn so much."
 
Viberti, Florida Southern's 27th Individual National Championship winner in the 100 BR at the 2022 NCAA Championships, opened the 100 BR heats on Saturday, July 27 with a time of 59.93, good for fifth in his heat. His time qualified him for the semifinals that afternoon, where he swam a 59.38 time, tied for fourth in the second heat and tied for eighth overall for a chance at the finals. Viberti had a swim-off against Melvin Imoudu from Germany shortly after, his third swim of the day, for a chance at the finals, though was out touched and shy of a medal chance. Fellow Italian Nicolo Martinenghi won gold in the event the next day, with a tie for silver between Adam Peaty from Great Britian and Nic Fink from the United States.
 
 
The first former Moccasin to compete in the 2024 Olympics, Viberti is joined by Kyle Micallef (swimming, Malta) and Dylan Travis (3x3 basketball, USA) in Paris this year. Former Florida Southern student Jenson Van Emburgh will take part in table tennis, representing the USA, at the 2024 Paralympic Games, which will take place beginning August 28.