FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Rising sophomore men's swimmer David Van Der Colff will represent both Nova Southeastern University and his home country of Botswana at the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics.
 
Van Der Colff (Gaborone, Botswana) qualified in early April in Botswana's Olympic trials and will participate in the 100-meter backstroke as his homeland's lone men's swimming representative. The Games of the XXXI Olympiad run from August 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Van Der Colff's event will take place August 7-8 at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium. On that first day will be the opening heat and semifinal rounds, with the finals scheduled for that Monday at 9 p.m. EST.
 
"I'm excited to participate in the Olympic Games," he said. "The caliber of the event is so big it's overwhelming, but I'm grateful for the opportunity not only to represent my country but also my college. The training throughout the year has paid off, and I hope that I can go for my best time in Rio."
 
During his debut season, Van Der Colff had 17 top-10 finishes and was a two-time All-American, having earned honors at the NCAA Championships as part of the 200-yard medley and 800-yard freestyle relay, with each team finishing third nationally and each setting school records in the process.