Canada's Maggie Mac Neil in action to win the 100 meters butterfly during World Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. Mac Neil is using her fifth and final year of collegiate eligibility to compete for the University of California. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Kamran Jebreili
March 25, 2022 - 11:56 AM
Canadian Olympic swimming champion Maggie Mac Neil is using her fifth and final year of collegiate eligibility to compete for the University of California.
The London, Ont., native had previously swam for the University of Michigan but entered the NCAA transfer portal last July.
She announced her new collegiate team on Instagram Friday.
"I'm so beyond excited to announce that I will be moving out west to finish up my NCAA eligibility," said Mac Neil, who posted photo of her wearing a Cal Golden Bears sweater. "I feel so lucky to be able to pursue a masters degree at the University of California Berkeley, while continuing to swim at the highest level."
The 22-year-old Mac Neil is among Canada's most decorated swimmers. At the Tokyo Olympics, she won a medal of every colour, including gold in the 100-metre butterfly.
She was also recently named Swimming Canada's female swimmer of the year for her stellar 2021 that included those Olympic medals along with four gold and a silver she won at the 2021 short-course world swimming championships in Abu Dhabi.
Mac Neil is also a two-time NCAA champion with the Michigan Wolverines.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2022.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2022