Missy Franklin vs Katie Ledecky – Gold Medal Minute presented by SwimOutlet.com

gold-medal-minute

Katie Ledecky  (courtesy of  rafael domeyko)

Katie Ledecky (courtesy of rafael domeyko)

Missy Franklin and Katie Ledecky  are a formidable duo, towering swim stars, making Team USA’s 800m freestyle relay deadly.

Franklin’s 200 free at the London Olympic Games was still in development and didn’t fully flower until 2013 FINA World Championships in Rome, resulting in gold with a 1:54.81.

Ledecky’s 200 free didn’t come online until the 2013 FINA World Championship 800m free relay, which she leadoff in a personal best time of 1:56.32.

This year’s 200 free matchup is developing dramatically. Franklin’s transitioning off of her college season, one where she focused exclusively on freestyle adding the 500 to her schedule. Ledecky’s breaking world records in-season (8:11 in the 800m free and 15:34.23 in the 1500m, in-season, unshaven) and she swam a lifetime best in her 200m free, 1:55.79.

Franklin & Ledecky (courtesy of Tim Binning)

Franklin & Ledecky (courtesy of Tim Binning)

How will the women’s 200 freestyle shakeout at US Nationals in Irvine or Pan Pacific Championships in Australia?

Prediction – Women’s 200 Free

I don’t know. This is a tough one.

Allison Schmitt’s the 2012 Olympic Champion, and she’s training with Bob Bowman which makes her dangerous, but she’s not my pick.

And Ledecky? It’s stupid to bet against her the way she’s swimming…but I am.

Allison Schmitt - 2014 Arena Grand Prix at Mesa  (courtesy of Mike Lewis, olavistaphotography.com)

Allison Schmitt – 2014 Arena Grand Prix at Mesa (courtesy of Mike Lewis, olavistaphotography.com)

My pick: Franklin. She tops the field this summer with a 1:54.87.

Who is your pick this summer in the women’s 200 free? 

Follow Missy Franklin on Twitter here.

Follow Katie Ledecky on Twitter here.

Follow Allison Schmitt on Twitter here.

This is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com. Host Gold Medal Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and the co-founder of SwimSwam.com.

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9 years ago

15519 winning time

1st – Franklin
2nd – Ledecky

(Franklin just touching Ledecky out)

Bill
9 years ago

This will be a great race. I have a hard time picking against Ledecky, who may be the best female athlete on the planet right now. Should be exciting.

liquidassets
9 years ago

Ledecky at Nationals, Franklin at Pan Pacs. Schmitt could easily be spoiler for either.

Swam
9 years ago

Is there going to be a pick-em-contest this year?

Admin
Reply to  Swam
9 years ago

Swam – planning on it!

swimm
9 years ago

I’m with Mel. Missy for the win with ledecky and Schmidt behind. Not sure what order though… can’t wait for this race!! It’s gonna be insane.

mcmflyguy
9 years ago

seriously mel, love the videos.

1. Missy
2. Katie
3. Shmidty

ERVINFORTHEWIN
Reply to  Gold Medal Mel Stewart
9 years ago

Rightly mentioned Mel ! These are paticular Naitonals with so much in the balance for many top level swimmers . Usa will be powerfull anyway in Pan Pacs and worlds ! very exciting

liquidassets
Reply to  Gold Medal Mel Stewart
9 years ago

But Mel; can’t they coast at Nationals once they’ve made the Pan Pac team on one event, and save there best for Pan Pacs?

KeithM
Reply to  Gold Medal Mel Stewart
9 years ago

I think Ledecky is an exception. I Really don’t think she has to “go all-in” for Nationals to make those teams. 😉

bobo gigi
Reply to  KeithM
9 years ago

Yes. Even with 10 miles of training in the morning, she would easily qualify for Pan Pacs.

Lane Four
Reply to  bobo gigi
9 years ago

LOL LOL I think you are correct!

Pvdh
9 years ago

Franklin- 1:55.10

Ledecky-1:55.25

Schmidt- 1:55.40

Ledecky leads off the 4×200 and swims the fastest 200 of the meet at pan pacs in 1:54.60.

About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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