Women's Swimming | 3/27/2020 1:45:00 PM

Two of the best female distance swimmers in the country – Bloomsburg University's Becca Cubbler (Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford) and West Chester University's Georgia Wright – competed for four years at rival Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) schools against one another in the same events. But, outside of the pool, the two have developed such a close friendship that it puts everything into perspective, especially given the circumstances the world is facing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Wright, a native of Doncaster, England, and Cubbler, who hails from Royersford, Pennsylvania, talk daily despite the 3,462 miles separating them. Wright flew back to her hometown after the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships in Geneva, Ohio, were abruptly suspended before the evening finals of day two on Thursday, March 12.
 
But, that didn't stop Cubbler from planning one final surprise.
 
"When Georgia found out that she had to fly back home to England for good, she called me right away," explained Cubbler. "She started crying on the phone because she thought I would be mad that we never got a chance for a proper goodbye after the way NCAA Championships ended. My parents and I ended up making a trip to West Chester the next morning with some gifts and to have lunch with her before her plane took off that night."
 
"Over the years, I've developed such a strong bond with not just Becca, but her parents Matt and Lauren as well," added Wright. "They have had such an impact on my life, and it's comforting to know I've developed a life-long friendship with the entire family."
 
At the national championships, both had the opportunity to swim in, what turned out to be, their final collegiate race as they competed in the timed finals of the 1000-yard freestyle on Wednesday night, March 11. Wright continued her dominance in the event as she broke her own NCAA record in claiming her fourth consecutive national title in the distance. Cubbler, meanwhile, earned her second straight All-American honor in the 1000 after her tenth-place finish. It was her first time competing in the evening timed finals.
 
It was a fantastic end to two decorated careers. Wright ended her career as an eight-time national champion with four titles in the 1000, three in the 1650, and one in the 500. She was also a heavy favorite to repeat in the 500 and 1650 at this year's championships. Cubbler capped off her career with four All-American honors and was well on her way to two accolades more before this year's nationals were cut short.
 
But, the relationship didn't start right from the beginning.
 
"I remember talking to her before races and around the pool deck at PSACs as a freshman, but it wasn't until our sophomore year that we started to get closer," explained Cubbler. "Honestly, my freshman year, I was terrified to race her. I had heard so much about her and her amazing ability in the water. But, being the super-competitive person that I am, she made me want to beat her (or get as close as I could). EVERYONE knew Georgia, and I wanted to be right there with her. I know my career wouldn't have been the same without her."
 
"We both want to see each other improve," Wright added. "We push each other to get better, and I love the fact that we can race each other, and as soon as the race is over – it's all hugs and smiles!"
 
Following two sensational swimming careers, both competitors explained that life after swimming might be taking different paths.
 
"I think right now, I'm ready to give the pool a break," Wright explained. "I'm still unsure about what it is I'm looking to do, but I know I want to stay in England to be with my family."
 
"I will be student-teaching around the Bloomsburg area during the fall semester," Cubbler said. "While I'm finishing up, I hope to be able to help the team in some capacity. Swimming has always been my escape, so I don't think I'll ever give it up. I may decide to join the Masters' team close to home so that I can keep competing."
 
Regardless of the miles separating them now, it pales in comparison to the miles the two distance swimmers swam together in the pool to create that special bond that will never be forgotten.
 
"I'm very thankful that I developed a friendship with Becca," Wright finished. "It's hard to swim 66 laps by yourself, but knowing you have one of your best friends right beside you is quite comforting."
 
Cubbler concluded, "Georgia is genuinely one of the most amazing people I have ever met. My dad told her this year that she is the 'unicorn' of the sport – she amazes anyone who watches her compete, and she stands in the spotlight with grace. I am so grateful to have had the chance to get to know her, and I am honored to have been able to share the pool with her these last four years."