Iranian - American Vaziri Wins World Championship (VIDEO)

Perhaps more impressive than Vaziri's recent performances is the fact that she is swimming at her first World Championships and is competing in the 50 back at a major meet for the first time. The Coral Springs, Fla., native entered the World Championships known as a 100-meter backstroke specialist, advancing to the semifinals of the 100 back and finishing 10th before etching her name in the record books in the 50 back.

Vaziri helped add to the United States' medal haul, as Americans have accounted for 11 gold, eight silver and three bronze medals at the World Championships.

The 2007 NCAA bronze medalist in the 100-yard backstroke, Vaziri had already left an indelible mark in IU history prior to her World Championship heroics. Vaziri earned 15 All-America certificates during her Hoosier career, the most in school history.

The 2002 Coral Springs graduate said her motivation was not qualifying for the final of the 100-meter backstroke, her specialty event.

"I keep telling myself I am just a rookie here and new to all of this," Vaziri said. "I was a little disappointed after the 100. I know what I did wrong, it was a mistake. I really did take my frustration out in the 50, didn't I?"

Coral Springs Swim Club coach Michael Lohberg, in St. Croix for a spring training camp, said Vaziri put perfect back-to-back races together.

"Seeing her in action you would never guess that she is a rookie on this level," Lohberg said. "She is so sure of herself and has this inner strength and calmness, that even a possibly overwhelming situation did not get her off-balance at all. She enjoyed every minute of this. She is a very special person, not just as an athlete."

He has watched her develop since she was 7, going from the Coral Springs Swim America program and high school state champion and national and world champion status.

"I went to five Olympics and many World Championships with swimmers, but Leila is something very special," Lohberg said. "To watch her grow in this sport is just indescribably awesome. That's something you don't experience too often as a coach."

Vaziri has an Iranian father and a German mother. "My mom has German heritage, and my father is Iranian, so I'm half and half. It's definitely (laughs) an interesting mix. My father was born in Iran, so he grew up there. I also have an older brother. I feel very close to my Iranian identity, like I'm a second generation Iranian-American. I can't claim a connection to actual immigrants, but my father is an immigrant. So he raised me with Iranian characteristics such as modesty and used conservative values with me. My father is Muslim, and though I wasn't raised Muslim, being bi-cultural is a big, important part of my identity."