Young Canadian phenom Emily Overholt smashed the Canadian record in the women’s 400m IM final in order to take home her first major international medal of her career.
Overholt put up a time of 4:32.52 to finish second behind world champion Katinka Hosszu of Hungary and Maya Di Rado of the United States. That time took a huge 3.32 seconds off Tanya Hunk’s former Canadian record that she set back at the suited 2009 World Championships.
Not fearing her competition, Overholt took things out hard on the first 100, turning over a second under world record pace in 1:01.13. After the backstroke Overholt was passed by both Hosszu and Di Rado and they all stayed in the same order for the remainder of the race.
Overholt had the fastest last 50 of the field, and was faster than the two leaders coming home by a sizable amount. Splitting a 30.61, Overholt made up one and a half seconds on Hosszu, and almost a full second on Di Rado.
Overholt’s Canadian record splits
- 100m – 1:01.13 (28.49) (32.64)
- 200m – 2:11.24 (35.56) (34.55)
- 300m – 3:29.94 (39.40) (39.30)
- 400m – 4:32.52 (31.97) (30.61)
That’s Canada’s fourth medal of these championships following a mixed 4x100m freestyle relay bronze and two medals for distance star Ryan Cochrane.
At just 17 Overholt is on track to lead the Canadian team at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. With consistant improvements, tonight’s medal could be just the start of a illustrious career.
Her medal comes tonight after she triumphantly overcame disappointment at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. After touching first in the 400m IM with a personal best of 4:36, Overholt was disqualified due to a non simultaneous touch while swimming breaststroke. Shortly after she bounced back with a gutsy 400m freestyle performance to win gold out of an outside lane.
Prior to this swim, Overholt’s official best time was a 4:37.89 in the 400m IM from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
With her 400m IM bronze her most successful season yet comes to an end. Collectively she earned four international medals during this season spanning worlds and Pan Ams.
Amazing swim, amazing athlete!
My boldest prediction actually came true! Had her as bronze and she managed it. Very excited for her career.
Way to go em!
Is Emily’s time not a new WJR?
WJR? – not quite. She’ll be 18 by the end of the year, which makes her ineligible for junior world records. Similar to Dressel’s 50 free the other day. But, much faster than the current record.
Awesome swim!! So happy for Emily. Can’t wait to see how she does in Rio!