Hess Yntema, Harvard's All-American swimmer, has decided to take a leave of absence from school this spring in order to train full time for the Olympics.
Yntema will return to his home in California and work in intensive practice sessions on a long (50 meter) course under a coach from one of the Southern California swim clubs.
A swimmer has to place in the top three in the AAU Championships next June to qualify for the US Olympic team. Yntema, who will be trying for a spot in the 200 butterfly, finished fifth in that event in the NCAA Championships last year even though he was on a minimum training schedule.
Two years ago, when Yntema was training intensively, he had the fourth best time in the world in the 200 fly.
Yntema was considered the key to Harvard's success in the Eastern Swimming Championships to be held at Yale next month. The Crimson's hopes will be considerable dimmed by his absence.
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