UE’s Baer Wins Israel National Championship In 100 Breaststroke

NETANYA, Israel – University of Evansville rising senior Alon Baer (Gesher HaZiv, Israel) has had a very decorated career as a member of the UE men’s swimming and diving program over the past three years.  Now, he can add the title of “National Champion” to his list of achievements, as Baer took home the individual title in the men’s 100-Meter Breaststroke event earlier today during the 2023 Israeli Championships at the Wingate Institute in Netanya, Israel.

Baer posted a time of 1:01.85 to best Kristian Pitshugin by 0.32 seconds and take home the individual title in the men’s 100-Meter Breaststroke.  Baer also placed second in the 50-Meter Breaststroke, finishing just 0.07 seconds behind Pitshugin to take home the silver in the event with a time of 28.46 seconds.  It has continued a strong week in the pool at the Israeli Championships for Baer, who also placed fifth in the men’s 200-Meter Breaststroke on Wednesday.

“In prelims, I placed third with a time of 1:02.63,” said Baer after winning the 100-Meter Breaststroke.  “I opened as hard as I could in the final, going 28.67 in the first 50, and managed to hold on for the win!”

Baer became Evansville’s first-ever Mid-American Conference individual champion this past March, as he took home the MAC title in the 200-Yard Breaststroke.  Baer earned first-team All-MAC honors for his efforts at the MAC Championships, while also capturing Academic All-MAC honors for his work both in and out of the pool this year.  Baer is the school-record holder in both the 100- and 200-Yard Breaststroke events at UE, and he was earned the Acespys’ award for “Best Male Athlete” in UE’s season-ending awards ceremony.