“We wanted to bring back another gold in that relay.”
That’s what Missy Franklin said in this interview, after the American women took home another 800 free relay title last night in Kazan at the World Championships. Franklin led off in a 1:55.95, and Leah Smith (1:56.86) and Katie McLaughlin (1:56.92) certainly did their part to reel in Sweden, who was out way ahead thanks to a stellar 1:54.31 lead-off from Sarah Sjostrom.
None other than Katie Ledecky anchored the Americans to another victory, marking the 18-year-old’s 4th gold medal of the meet (in just 4 swims).
2nd place went to Italy, helped by a monster anchor of 1:54.73 by world record holder in the 200 free Federica Pellegrini. China also overtook Sweden, who led for most of the race, and grabbed bronze.
The coach has seen Franklin take a more vocal role in her training and has watched her learn to say no sometimes — something that doesn’t come easily to such a natural people pleaser. At the end of the day, what’s the real goal?
i mean, If they dont it would be terribly disappointing. Next year they could have 3 of he top 6 or 7 200 freestylers in the world