Istambouli Selected to Represent Lebanon at 2021 FINA World Championships
12/13/2021 12:00:00 PM | Women's Swimming and Diving
South Orange, N.J. -Â Sophomore Leiya Istambouli (Danbury, Conn.) of the Seton Hall women's swimming and diving team has been chosen to participate in the in the 15th Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) World Swimming Championships. Istambouli will be representing Lebanon in the championships and partaking in both the 100 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke.
The events will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with the opening ceremony set for Thurs., Dec. 16, and competition underway from the 16th through the 21st. The venue for the FINA World Swimming Championships is Etihad Arena. The largest arena of its kind in the UAE, Ethiad sits on the shores of Yas Bay on Yas Island.
The Championships will be staged over 6 days with heats in the morning sessions and the semi-finals and finals in the evening session. All morning sessions will start at 09:30, and evening sessions will start at 18:00 Gulf Standard Time. Istambouli will be swimming the 100 Backstroke on Thurs., Dec. 16, followed by the 100 Freestyle on Fri., Dec. 17.
"It is my honor to represent both Lebanon and Seton Hall at the 2021 FINA World Championships," Istambouli said. "Being a student-athlete at Seton Hall has brought out the best in me and continues to allow me to reach my potential, both in the pool and out. I feel so grateful to represent my country as a Lebanese-American, and I am proud that I am swimming as both a Lebanese and Seton Hall swimmer."
In just her second season as a Pirate, Istambouli has already left her mark on the program's record book. The Connecticut-native was part of the record-setting 400 Free Relay team at last year's BIG EAST Championships before setting a new, top time in the 200 Free Relay at the 2021 Patriot Invitational this past November.
Selected to the 2021 All-BIG EAST Team for her performance at the 2021 BIG EAST Championships, Istambouli also holds top-10 program times in the 50 Free, 100 Free and 50 Back. In addition to her success in the pool, Istambouli was also a member of the 2021 BIG EAST All-Academic Team.
Â
The events will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with the opening ceremony set for Thurs., Dec. 16, and competition underway from the 16th through the 21st. The venue for the FINA World Swimming Championships is Etihad Arena. The largest arena of its kind in the UAE, Ethiad sits on the shores of Yas Bay on Yas Island.
The Championships will be staged over 6 days with heats in the morning sessions and the semi-finals and finals in the evening session. All morning sessions will start at 09:30, and evening sessions will start at 18:00 Gulf Standard Time. Istambouli will be swimming the 100 Backstroke on Thurs., Dec. 16, followed by the 100 Freestyle on Fri., Dec. 17.
"It is my honor to represent both Lebanon and Seton Hall at the 2021 FINA World Championships," Istambouli said. "Being a student-athlete at Seton Hall has brought out the best in me and continues to allow me to reach my potential, both in the pool and out. I feel so grateful to represent my country as a Lebanese-American, and I am proud that I am swimming as both a Lebanese and Seton Hall swimmer."
In just her second season as a Pirate, Istambouli has already left her mark on the program's record book. The Connecticut-native was part of the record-setting 400 Free Relay team at last year's BIG EAST Championships before setting a new, top time in the 200 Free Relay at the 2021 Patriot Invitational this past November.
Selected to the 2021 All-BIG EAST Team for her performance at the 2021 BIG EAST Championships, Istambouli also holds top-10 program times in the 50 Free, 100 Free and 50 Back. In addition to her success in the pool, Istambouli was also a member of the 2021 BIG EAST All-Academic Team.
Â
Players Mentioned
Backstroke/Breaststroke/Freestyle
/ Women's Swimming and Diving2024-25 End-of-Year Highlight Video
Thursday, May 22
Seton Hall Basketball Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Thursday, March 27
PSN Feature on Allie Waggoner, Seton Hall's First NCAA Women's Championship Qualifier
Friday, March 21
Seton Hall Basketball - Catalon, Masonius, Bozzella After Quinnipiac (WBIT)
Friday, March 21
