Despite Suit Tear, Olivia Smoliga Hits 27.96 to Sail Through 50 Back Prelims

2019 FINA WORLD AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Shortly before heat three of five in the women’s 50 back, it was evident that American backstroker Olivia Smoliga had a rip on the right shoulder strap of her suit. The icy white suit that the FINIS-sponsored athlete has been known for showed a clear tear, noted by the commentators on the Olympic Channel broadcast.

Risking a wardrobe malfunction, Smoliga hopped in and did what she had to do, cruising through to win the heat with a time of 27.96. That was good enough to qualify her through to the semifinals in sixth place, just over a quarter of a second behind prelims leader Fu Yuanhui of China (27.70).

Smoliga set the American record in this event at 27.43 at the Mesa Pro Swim Series in April of 2018, and she’s a strong candidate for the 50 back podium at this meet. Despite her suit tear, Smoliga’s time this morning in Gwangju was her seventh-best performance ever.

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Texas Tap Water
4 years ago

FINA sent warning letter to FINIS suit for inadequate behavior

Sqimgod
4 years ago

Interesting way of protesting sun yang

Justhereforfun
4 years ago

Please tell me I’m not the only one looking at the title picture going “WHERES THE TEAR??”

Leisurely1:29
4 years ago

Nice advertisement for the Rival lol

William Charles Alexander
4 years ago

These are the articles i come here for.

Coach Klier
4 years ago

She dod a stroke clinic for our team in december. She is awesome!

Wondering
4 years ago

Should have gotten a time trial if she missed semis….

Just cuz it’s Smogs

Phelps’ dog
4 years ago

We were so close

About Karl Ortegon

Karl Ortegon

Karl Ortegon studied sociology at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, graduating in May of 2018. He began swimming on a club team in first grade and swam four years for Wesleyan.

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