Across her first six sessions at the 2015 Arena Pro Swim Series at Charlotte, Zimbabwean 7-time Olympic medalist Kirsty Coventry had a very positive weekend. The weekend will be cut short, however, as Coventry was a late scratch from Sunday’s finals session, meaning that she’ll drop the finals of the women’s 100 back, where she was the 4th qualifier in 2:15.04; and the 200 back, where she was the 11th qualifier in 2:15.39.
See other key scratches from Sunday’s finals here.
Coventry Tweeted on Sunday afternoon that she had pulled out of the rest of her events due to “slight injury,” but had a positive outlook as she expects to be back in training this week. SwimSwam’s Loretta Race reports that the injury is some slight back soreness.
I've canceled the rest of my events due to slight injury. I must rest so I can get back to training this week. #smart
— Kirsty Coventry (@KirstyCoventry) May 17, 2015
Coventry dealt with injuries in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, but those were centered around her knee and a dislocated kneecap.
At 31-years old, Coventry has chosen a precautionary approach to the pain, and fortunately for her being in her home pool won’t have a long trip home that could cause stiffening in the pained muscles.
Overall on the weekend, Coventry swam the best times so far of her comeback in the 50 back, the 100 back, the 100 breast (not a primary event), and the 50 fly. That includes a new African Continental Record in the 50 backstroke.
I’m super impressed with the comeback so far. Most Olympians are stoked about one Olympic games, and one medal is a dream come true. Keep on chasing the dream…..it always seems to end well!