Olympic and World Champion Olivia Smoliga dropped a surprise best time in the 200m free, clocking 1:57 flat at the Atlanta Classic. That time puts Smoliga in the hunt to make the Olympic 4×200 free relay, but it conflicts with her schedule at the U.S. Olympic Trials. 100m back is her top priority, and she’s a little cagey about whether or not she’ll swim 200 free in Omaha.
2021 U.S. Olympic Trials Olivia Smolgia PREDICTIONS
Olivia knows what it takes to perform at Olympic Trials, and she appears to be brimming with confidence after the Atlanta Classic. I think Smoliga’s third trip to Olympic Trials is successful. I see a 58 flat 100m back to make the U.S. Olympic Team. For the 200m free, I see a prelims swim only, a 1:56 mid, enough to put her name in the hat for the 4×200 free Olympic relay.
But who cares what I think? It’s all about what you think. Bring me your best expert swimming analysis.
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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, a Swimming News website.
With how stacked the backstroke field is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a sub-58 swim get left off the team.
Could she throw down a fast prelims 2 free and scratch semis? If she makes the team in another event, she’d still be eligible and available to swim 4×2 at Olympics. Didn’t Lochte do that to get on one of the free relays in ’12 or ’16?
If she makes the team in the 100 back is she capable of beating McKeown
I’m already getting choked up because one of three favorite swimmers will inevitably be on the outside looking in. Remember when Grevers said “there’s no space for me!” *crying emoji*
Olivia is the best. Good luck and Go Dawgs!
Where the chase Olivia duo interview
both hitting form at the right time
All right, Mel… is this article really about Olivia, or an attempt to lure Bobo Gigi out of retirement? We all know that Mon Cheri is a big fan.
Bobo has been back for a week!
With much improved written English. You need to test him on what Lasco’s best time in the 200 free was in March of the year Lasco turned 11.
No 100 free prediction Mel?
Gold Medal Mel is spot-on here.