Produced by Coleman Hodges.
Reported by Hannah Hecht.
For a while it looked like sprinter Simone Manuel might upset the field in the women’s 200 free, but then North Baltimore’s Allison Schmitt showed why she is on top of the mid-distance freestyles. Schmitt split a pair of 29.74s to close down the opposition with 1:56.77. Missy Franklin of Colorado Stars, who nearly chased her down, finished second with 1:57.30. Third place went to Siobhan Haughey of University of Michigan in 1:58.48. Recent Arizona resident and Wisconsin transfer Cierra Runge wound up 7th with 1:59.76.
Ms. Runge was brave and wise to leave Cal after her freshman year. Even though ms. Runge helped the team win NCAA title, coach of Cal refused to release this swimmer. Kudos to ms. Runge for her power and performance and standing up for what is right.