Trojans Sign Austrian Olympic Swimmer Marlene Kahler

USC Women's Swimming will welcome Austrian Olympian Marlene Kahler to campus this fall, as announced by Kahler via Instagram on Friday, May 28.  
 
"I am beyond excited to finally announce my verbal commitment to the University of Southern California. I can't wait to continue my swimming career as part of the USC swim team," said Kahler on Instagram. "Thanks to all the people who have been on my journey so far and special thanks to my family who is always supporting me. Fight On!" 
 
Most recently, the Austrian competed at the 2021 European Aquatic Championships, where she finished ninth in the 800m free and 13th in the 1500m free. 
 
"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Austrian Olympian Marlene Kahler," said USC Head Swimming Coach Jeremy Kipp. "Marlene is a world class freestyle swimmer who has great range from the 50 all the way up to the mile, and she will make an immediate impact on our roster next season.  She is putting together an amazing season with Austria so far, and we can't wait to see what she does in Tokyo before joining us for her freshman year as a Trojan in the fall." 
 
At the 2020 Berlin Swim Open, Kahler downed an Austrian national record in the 800m free, taking gold in a time of 8:32.51. Her time lowered the previous national standard by over four seconds that had been set at the 2008 Olympic Games. 
 
In 2019, Kahler championed the women's 400m free during the FINA Swimming World Cup 25m in Doha. At the same meet she was third in the 800m free and eighth in the 200m free. 
 
Kahler took home two bronze medals at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, taking third in both the 400m and 800m free at the age of 17. 
 
With a versatile skill set, and experience competing against some of the world's greatest swimmers, Kahler will no doubt be a major contributor for the Trojans this upcoming season.