Business sophomore Gastaldello named to French Olympic Team

Texas A&M business sophomore Béryl Gastaldello was officially named to the French Olympic Team on Wednesday and will represent France and Texas A&M at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Gastaldello, from Miramas, France, will compete in the 100-meter freestyle and with France’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay at the Olympics.

She earned her spot on the team with a strong performance at the French Elite Nationals last week in Montpellier, France. Gastaldello posted top four finishes in five events at France’s Olympic qualifier, including a victory in the 100-meter backstroke and runner-up finishes in the 100 free and 50 butterfly.

“We are very excited for and proud of Béryl for this accomplishment,” said assistant coach Tanica Jamison, who accompanied Gastaldello to the French Elite Nationals. “Béryl overcame so many obstacles through the year, but hard work, determination and support from family and friends have made a dream come true today. It’s a well-deserved honor and we could not be prouder.”

Gastaldello is coming off a spectacular collegiate season that saw her earn first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors, as well as first-team All-America honors in the 50 free and 100 free and with the Aggies’ 400 free relay and 200 medley relay. Gastaldello owns Texas A&M’s school records in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle and swam the lead-off leg on the Aggies’ record-setting 400 free relay.

-by Brad Marquardt, associate director, Texas A&M Athletics Media Relations