Reported by Mitch Bowmile.
WOMEN’S 100M BACKSTROKE
2016 Top seed: Natalie Coughlin (59.05)
World record: 58.12 – Gemma Spofforth (Britain)
American record: 58.33 – Missy Franklin
U.S Open record: 58.67 – Missy Franklin
U.S Nationals record: 58.67 – Missy Franklin
JR World record: 59.37 – Minna Atherton (Australia)
2012 Winning Time: 58.85 – Missy Franklin
Neither Natalie Coughlin or Missy Franklin stole the show this morning; rather it was Olivia Smoliga and Amy Bilquist who posted the top two times to lead the charge heading into tonight’s semifinals.
Swimming in heat 14, Smoliga was the first one under one-minute sporting a 59.65 at the touch. Right behind her wasHannah Stevens in 59.72 who took the third overall seed behind Smoliga and Bilquist.
Despite a slow start, Missy Franklin came back to win heat 15 in a time of 1:00.35. Although the time doesn’t stand out, it gets her a second swim in tonight’s semifinals which is all she needed.
Bilquist won the final heat, taking down both Ali Deloof, who was a 1:00.09, and Coughlin. Coughlin finished third in the final heat well off her best time with a 1:00.75. Just like Franklin, it’s not a standout time, but will secure her a spot in the semifinals.
TOP 16
- Olivia Smoliga (59.65)
- Amy Bilquist (59.67)
- Hannah Stevens (59.72)
- Ali Deloof (1:00.09)
- Missy Franklin (1:00.35)
- Clara Smiddy (1:00.38)
- Natalie Coughlin (1:00.75)
- Grace Ariola (1:00.79) T
- Kathleen Baker (1:00.79) T
- Lucie Nordmann (1:00.80)
- Tasija Karosas (1:01.06)
- Danielle Galyer (1:01.07)
- Regan Smith (1:01.17)
- Alex Walsh (1:01.20)
- Annie Ochitwa (1:01.25)
- Taylor Garcia (1:01.32)
For official results click here.
Olga! Olga! Olga! Hey Missy has other events where she can shine.
man, i thought her goal would be to get at least top 4 in her heat! what a champion-trying to win her heat! nice job missy!
I know her times may not show it yet but, can we please be more positive about Franklin? She has shown to be a big-time swimmer with huge time drops during taper so we should see her results in her finals before making any judgements.
They could have, but…
None of those 5 are defending Olympic champions in this event
None own the American Record in this event
None have the World’s best textile time in the event or her public persona
That was a modest goal. But now she just needs to win her next two heats and she’s on her way.
i read from todays prelims that Missy has still an awful start , does that bodes well for the semis and final for her ? strange as she has confirmed much training In Colorado …
I know right!? She didn’t even look too great, but I hope she makes it. Stevens Smoligs and Bilquist looked awesome
The sunshine facade was looking a little brittle in that video.