In this morning’s recap, we related how consistent Margo Geer has been at this meet, hitting the same times swim-after-swim, proclaiming that anybody who wanted this 100 free title would have to come down and get her.
In finals, Geer made that prediction look really good. She came in seeded 47.16, was a 47.17 in prelims, and finished with a 47.19 in finals to complete her 50/100 freestyle sweep at this meet. That puts her on a list of swimmers that includes names like Jenny Thompson, Dara Torres, and Kara Lynn Joyce who have done this double (it actually happens quite frequently).
Georgia’s Megan Romano did come down after Geer a little as compared to finals, but it just wasn’t enough for the win. She added a second sprint silver with a 47.37.
Florida’s Natalie Hinds took 3rd in 47.73. She’s been good all weekend, but Saturday has really been her day at this meet. Her teammate, junior Ellese Zalewski, was 4th in 47.99. The Florida women are one really good sprinter away from being a favorite for the 400 free relay title at NCAA’s next year.
Georgia’s Allison Schmitt was 5th in 48.04, exactly matching her prelims time, and Cal freshman Rachael Acker grabbed 6th in 48.29.
Even with Acker beating Georgia’s Shannon Vreeland (48.41), Bulldog freshman Chantal van Landeghem moved up to win the B-Final in 48.21. That pushed the Georgia lead to 57-points – triple what it was coming into the event.
She *may be* the most physically talented female sprinter.
For the most physically talented female swimmer, I think it’s Missy Franklin.
Dutchwomen, that’s exactly what Coach Troy said. He saw her swim once and said, I want her on my team, and if she puts on 15 pounds of muscle, she will be the fastest swimmer in the world.
Oh, and for a team that you have previously said is a bad choice for sprinters, they got two girls under 48 seconds in the 100 free. One dropped from a 48.9 and the other dropped from a 49.8. Those same swimmers dropped from 53.6 to 51.5 and 52.9 to 51.7 in the 100 fly.
Can someone please lock her in the weight room for the next 12 months? Imagine her with 20 pounds more muscle… Could she be the most physically talented female swimmer in American history?
Had the privilege of being this young lady’s camp counselor at a swim camp in 2008. Great attitude and energy, fantastic to see her achieve so much at this point. Congrats Natalie!
She has kept the best for the last day. Big potential. What is her level in long course? I didn’t even know her 1 month ago.