Mie Nielsen was on point this past weekend as she took part in the Reykjavik International Games. The swimming competition was part of the broader games that boasted more than a dozen sports. The Games bring people to Iceland in the extreme darkness of January.
Nielsen won the 50 and 100 backstroke to go along with wins 50,100 and 200 freestyle. Nielsen’s 100 backstroke was by far the top performance in the meet. She swam 1:00.45 and registered 888 FINA points. In both backstroke races she got the best of Iceland’s Eyglo Gustaffsdottir. Gustaffsdottir had a good short course season culminating in a record breaking tear at the European Short Course Championships.
However, Gustaffsdottir could not keep pace in this competition. She did, however, win the 200 backstroke which is her most competitive event internationally.
The modest times are typical for Nielsen at this point in her preparation. Last year she went 1:01.78 at this meet on her way to a sub :59 performance in Kazan. It remains to be see whether Nielsen’s freestyle swims will have Rio implications. While Denmark projects as a potential medalist in the 4×100 Medley, the freestyle relays are much less certain.
Nielsen’s progression in the 100 freestyle has stalled since 2012. Likewise, the picture is not rosy for her potential 4×100 freestyle teammates. Pernille Blume has not been able to capitalize on a breakthrough 2014 season. Lotte Friis has had a regression since deciding to train in the US. At 28 years old, Jeannette Ottesen will likely only swim should the other three join a fourth and qualify for finals. The most likely candidate for that position is Sarah Bro, who still has a ways to go from her 56.21 last summer.
Nielsen’s teammate Viktor Bromer also won several races over the weekend. He had the top men’s performance with his 200 butterfly (2:00.47, 793 points). Bromer is another Dane with medal hopes in Rio. Bromer won the European Championship in 2014, but finished just 5th in Kazan this past summer. He must improve his top speed if he wants to stand on the Olympic podium. Bromer’s personal best of 52.53 in the 100m fly puts him well behind the top two in Kazan (Cseh and Le Clos) as well as Michael Phelps.
Nielsen indicated via facebook that she will resume hard training after the meet, before travelling to Bermuda for a training camp.