The Lees-McRae College athletic department inducted three new members into the Fred I. Dickerson Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, September 30 in McDonald Dining Hall., including collegiate cycling great, Carla Swart.

"Carla embodied the spirit of life, the character to which greatness is made, and the incredible humanity we all wish we could be," said the college's Director of Athletics, Craig McPhail, as part of his induction speech for Swart.

Swart almost single-handedly redefined the sport of collegiate cycling, quickly becoming the most decorated rider in the history of the sport before passing away in a tragic training accident this past January in her native South Africa.

During her career with the Bobcats, Swart collected 19 individual and team national titles, while becoming the first cyclist in collegiate history to win a national title in each of the four disciplines, accomplishing the feat during the 2008 season.

"Let's all live how Carla wanted us to live," said Swart's father, Deon Swart. "Tonight is not a night to mourn, it is a night of happiness, so please be happy in this life and enjoy."

To view the full release on the USA Cycling website, please click here.