Rice University Athletics
Portello Set to Represent team USA at the FISU America Games Lima 2026
7/23/2026 10:44:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
HOUSTON – Rice junior Ava Portello is set to represent the United States at the 2026 FISU America Games in Lima, Peru.
Portello will compete for Team USA in the swimming competition. Competition begins Friday, July 24, and concludes Sunday, July 26. Preliminary sessions are scheduled for 9 a.m. each day, with finals set for 6 p.m.
"This opportunity for Ava is another chance to grow as an athlete," Rice head coach Seth Huston said. "I know representing the United States is an honor, and Ava will give her best as she competes and represents our country."
Portello is coming off a standout season in which she won American Conference titles in the 500-yard freestyle and 1,650-yard freestyle while earning four medals at the conference championships. She qualified for the NCAA Championships in both events, representing Rice in Atlanta. Portello also placed second in the 5K event at the CSCAA Open Water Championship and earned CSC Academic All-District honors.
You can following along by watching live on the FISU America's YouTube channel and with live results here.
The Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) promotes opportunities for students around the world to participate in sport. Through athletics, FISU aims to foster health, well-being and personal development while encouraging students to become active members of the global community.
The 2026 FISU America Games aim to promote and develop university sport throughout the Americas while strengthening unity, friendship and solidarity among students, leaders and higher education institutions across the continent.
Please see the FISU America Games official website for more information.
Portello will compete for Team USA in the swimming competition. Competition begins Friday, July 24, and concludes Sunday, July 26. Preliminary sessions are scheduled for 9 a.m. each day, with finals set for 6 p.m.
"This opportunity for Ava is another chance to grow as an athlete," Rice head coach Seth Huston said. "I know representing the United States is an honor, and Ava will give her best as she competes and represents our country."
Portello is coming off a standout season in which she won American Conference titles in the 500-yard freestyle and 1,650-yard freestyle while earning four medals at the conference championships. She qualified for the NCAA Championships in both events, representing Rice in Atlanta. Portello also placed second in the 5K event at the CSCAA Open Water Championship and earned CSC Academic All-District honors.
You can following along by watching live on the FISU America's YouTube channel and with live results here.
The Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) promotes opportunities for students around the world to participate in sport. Through athletics, FISU aims to foster health, well-being and personal development while encouraging students to become active members of the global community.
The 2026 FISU America Games aim to promote and develop university sport throughout the Americas while strengthening unity, friendship and solidarity among students, leaders and higher education institutions across the continent.
Please see the FISU America Games official website for more information.
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