James Magnussen came into the world championships with the fastest time in the world this year. With a time of 47.53 from an in season swim, it was crazy to think that he was not going to win. This week he was off to a slow start. He led off Australia’s 4×100 freestyle relay in a 48.00. 48.00 is by no means slow, but many were expecting him to be 47-low, if not close to or under the World Record time set by Cesar Cielo at 46.91 in 2009. Magnuessen’s best is 47.1o, and to his credit, he swam that without one of the ” rubber suits” banned after 2009. Today, he repeated his time from prelims, 47.71, to win the event, touching out Americans, Jimmy Feigen and Nathan Adrian. Although he had the same time in prelims and finals, he split the two very differently. Magnussen is now the back to back World Champion in the 100 freestyle.
Cate Campbell finished second in the semi-finals of the 100 freestyle. She swam to a time of 53.09. This was a very good swim, but we know she has a lot more in her. Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden looked very good today, earning the top seed with her 52.87. Campbell has already been 52.33 this week, with a record setting lead-off on the 4×100 freestyle relay for Australia. Campbell is the favorite in this event tomorrow, but their will be a few very tough competitors. Sarah Sjostrom has swam well all meet, Britta Steffen is the World Record holder, Ranomi Kromowidjojo is the Olympic champion, and Missy Franklin has not exited the pool without a Gold medal all week. I would guess that it is going to take a World Record to beat Campbell tomorrow night in the final.
I don’t think anyone could have predicted that finish in the 100 (other than 1st place.)
That’s why they have the races.
One person, Anthonyervinforthewin I think, claimed that he made the exact correct prediction on 1-2-3