Abbey Weitzeil, a 19-year-old Saugus resident, recently wrapped up a medal-winning performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and is now back on campus at the University of California Berkeley.

“It was a long trip, so I was super excited to get home and see my friends and family,” Weitzeil said. “I wished i could have stayed a little longer to experience more of Rio but I definitely wanted to be home before I went off to school.”

California Berkeley offers one of the top women’s training program in the country, which is run by Terri McKeever, the coach who also helped train Gold-medal winner Natalie Coughlin reach her full potential.

Weitzeil finished the Rio Games with a Silver medal in the 4×100 meter freestyle relay, and a Gold medal in the 4×100 medley relay.

“Although I didn’t do as well as I had hoped individually,” Weitzeil said. “I couldn’t have asked for a more fun experience being with the team and representing the USA at the highest level.”

Weitzeil joined U.S. Swim teammates Nathan Adrian, Anthony Ervin, Michael Phelps, Dana Volmer, Simone Manuel  and Lily King as contributors to the total of 33 medals for the USA Olympic Team.

Weitzeil swam the 50 meter freestyle in 24.48 seconds, and placed seventh in the 100 meter freestyle, by swimming it in 53.30.

One of the more exciting parts of the story for those watching Weitzeil’s Olympic success, is the likelihood of a follow-up act in four years. Weitzeil didn’’t quite reach her personal best times for her events, but she promised to be back when the games travel to Asia.

“I’m definitely striving to compete in the same events in 2020,” Weitzeil said.

Not only will Weitzeil have the best training possible, but she will be training alongside U.S. Swim  teammates such as Missy Franklin, Rachel Bootsma, Elizabeth Pelton and Cierra Runge.

“I am here at Cal right now and i love it already. I started classes this week and am looking forward to the challenge of the rest of the year,” said the Cal Berkeley freshman.

“I am looking forward to being challenged in school since I haven’t been in school for a year, and I am excited to try some new training.”

One of upcoming challenges for Weitzeil will be at the PAC-12 NCAA collegiate conference championships for Cal, which are taking place on Feb. 22-25 at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Wash.

Among colleges Weitzeil and her teammates will be facing include USC, UCLA, Arizona and Stanford, the home of Simone Manuel.

“I am looking forward to racing against everyone in college dual meets,” said Weitzeil, “it will just be more fun experiences.”

Shortly after PAC 12’s, Weitzeil will have a chance to attend the NCAA’s taking place on March 16-18 at the IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis.