COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Alabama swimmer Liam Bell has earned a place on the United States Junior National Team, USA Swimming announced recently.

"Liam had a breakout summer that resulted in him earning a place on the U.S. Junior National Team," UA head coach Coley Stickels said. "There is something really special about making your first national team and we're really proud of him for that. He's really exploded into his first collegiate season and is the only freshman ranked in the NCAA top 10 in the 100 breaststroke this season."

The Atlanta, Ga., native won the 2019 USA Junior National Championship in the 100-meter breaststroke this summer, posting a 1:01.19, the ninth-fastest time ever for 17-18 men in the United States, and winning the race by over a second. He also earned a bronze medal in the 200-meter breaststroke with a career-best mark of 2:15.17.

The youngest male to qualify for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, Bell has already qualified for the 2020 trials. Through the first two meets of his collegiate career, the rookie has already won the 100 breaststroke in both meets and has helped the Tide to a pair of wins in the 200 medley relay. He is also ranked fifth nationally in the 100 breaststroke through the first two months of the collegiate season.

For all the latest information on the Alabama swimming and diving teams, follow AlabamaSwimDive on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can be found @UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.