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.
