GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- A local legend is coming home. Dagny Knutson, an American record holder and North Dakota native, has agreed to join the University of North Dakota's swim camp staff for Summer 2016. She will serve as a coach and counselor, interacting with swimmers in the pool and around campus throughout the week of June 12-16.
Knutson brings a long history of swimming success to Grand Forks. A North Dakota state champion, she set national records in age group and high school before joining the national team in preparation for the 2008 Olympic season. That year, she was a five-time World Junior medalist, an Olympic Trials qualifier in six events and an Olympic Trials finalist in the 200 individual medley.
In 2009, she added to her resume with six gold medals at the Junior Pan Pac Swimming Championships and a silver medal at the World Championship in the 800 freestyle relay. In 2011, she returned to the World Championship and won gold in the same event. She is a former American record holder in the 400 individual medley and current American record holder in the 800 freestyle relay.
For UND head swim coach Chris Maiello, Knutson's addition marks an opportunity for the entire state to learn from one of its best: “We are excited that a swimmer of Dagny's quality is joining our swim camp staff,” he said. “Having the chance to work with the most decorated swimmer in state history will make a big impact not only on our young campers but also on the teammates and clubs they return to.”
UND's swim camp takes place June 12-16 on the university's campus in Grand Forks, N.D. For more information, please visit www.northdakotaswimmingcamp.com. Registration remains open but is limited to 100 swimmers.
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Knutson's full bio:
2011 World Championship Gold Medalist 4x200 LCM freestyle relay
2009 World Championship Silver Medalist 4x200 LCM freestyle relay
American Record Holder 4x200 SCM freestyle relay
Former American Record Holder (400yard IM)
2009 6 x Junior Pan Pac Gold Medalist
2008 Olympic Trials Finalist 200 LCM IM
2008 Olympic Trials Qualifier in 6 events
2008 5 x World Junior Gold Medalist
2 x Duel in the Pool Team USA Member
National High School Record Holder
Former National Age-Group Record Holder
3 x Senior National Team Member
2 x National Junior Team Member
ND State Champion and Record Holder
Dagny Knutson grew up in Minot, N.D. where the majority of her swimming career took place. She graduated from Minot High School in 2010 and graduated from Grand Canyon University in April 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and a Minor in Entrepreneurial Studies. She plans to earn her master's degree in mental health counseling and continues to be an advocate for athletes everywhere.
