Missy on Prelims: My goal was to win my heat (Video)

Reported by Mitch Bowmile.

WOMEN’S 100M BACKSTROKE

2016 Top seed: Natalie Coughlin (59.05)
World record: 58.12 – Gemma Spofforth (Britain)
American record: 58.33 – Missy Franklin
U.S Open record: 58.67 – Missy Franklin
U.S Nationals record: 58.67 – Missy Franklin
JR World record: 59.37 – Minna Atherton (Australia)
2012 Winning Time: 58.85 – Missy Franklin

Neither Natalie Coughlin or Missy Franklin stole the show this morning; rather it was Olivia Smoliga and Amy Bilquist who posted the top two times to lead the charge heading into tonight’s semifinals.

Swimming in heat 14, Smoliga was the first one under one-minute sporting a 59.65 at the touch. Right behind her wasHannah Stevens in 59.72 who took the third overall seed behind Smoliga and Bilquist.

Despite a slow start, Missy Franklin came back to win heat 15 in a time of 1:00.35. Although the time doesn’t stand out, it gets her a second swim in tonight’s semifinals which is all she needed.

Bilquist won the final heat, taking down both Ali Deloof, who was a 1:00.09, and Coughlin. Coughlin finished third in the final heat well off her best time with a 1:00.75. Just like Franklin, it’s not a standout time, but will secure her a spot in the semifinals.

TOP 16

  1. Olivia Smoliga (59.65)
  2. Amy Bilquist (59.67)
  3. Hannah Stevens (59.72)
  4. Ali Deloof (1:00.09)
  5. Missy Franklin (1:00.35)
  6. Clara Smiddy (1:00.38)
  7. Natalie Coughlin (1:00.75)
  8. Grace Ariola (1:00.79) T
  9. Kathleen Baker (1:00.79) T
  10. Lucie Nordmann (1:00.80)
  11. Tasija Karosas (1:01.06)
  12. Danielle Galyer (1:01.07)
  13. Regan Smith (1:01.17)
  14. Alex Walsh (1:01.20)
  15. Annie Ochitwa (1:01.25)
  16. Taylor Garcia (1:01.32)

For official results click here.

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Dawgpaddle
8 years ago

Olga! Olga! Olga! Hey Missy has other events where she can shine.

wat
8 years ago

man, i thought her goal would be to get at least top 4 in her heat! what a champion-trying to win her heat! nice job missy!

Peter
8 years ago

I know her times may not show it yet but, can we please be more positive about Franklin? She has shown to be a big-time swimmer with huge time drops during taper so we should see her results in her finals before making any judgements.

Aquaman
8 years ago

They could have, but…
None of those 5 are defending Olympic champions in this event
None own the American Record in this event
None have the World’s best textile time in the event or her public persona

Stay Human
8 years ago

That was a modest goal. But now she just needs to win her next two heats and she’s on her way.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
8 years ago

i read from todays prelims that Missy has still an awful start , does that bodes well for the semis and final for her ? strange as she has confirmed much training In Colorado …

Hswimmer
8 years ago

I know right!? She didn’t even look too great, but I hope she makes it. Stevens Smoligs and Bilquist looked awesome

Gary P
8 years ago

The sunshine facade was looking a little brittle in that video.

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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