Nihipali’s most-recent efforts earned her a third NEC Swimmer of the Week award, and, more importantly, a ticket to the US Olympic Trials. Nihipali continued her string of impressive efforts while contesting the AT&T US Winter Nationals this past weekend. Making her second career appearance at the Winter Nationals, the junior made history during preliminary by completing the 100 backstroke (Long Course Meters) in 1:02.77. That blazing time made her the first-ever Wagner Seahawk to qualify for the US Olympic Trials. Nihipali, who entered the finals as the No. 24 seed, eventually took 23rd overall in the event.