Olivia Smoliga Leads Off Medley Relay In 50 Back American Record

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On the lead-off leg of the world record setting U.S. women’s 4×50 medley relayOlivia Smoliga became the first American ever under 26 seconds in the women’s 50 back, as she went 25.97 for a new American Record.

Smoliga broke the record previously held by Ali DeLoof, who set the record of 26.12 leading off the U.S. relay two years ago in Windsor which also set the world record.

In the all-time rankings, Smoliga now ranks 7th in the event and is the 9th swimmer to ever crack 26. She’ll have a chance to knock this record down further in the individual 50 back.

FASTEST PERFORMERS, WOMEN’S 100 BACKSTROKE

  1. Etiene Medeiros, BRA, 25.67
  2. Sanja Jovanovic, CRO, 25.70
  3. Zhao Jing, CHN, 25.82
  4. Emily Seebohm, AUS, 25.83
  5. Gao Chang, NED, 25.92
  6. Katinka Hosszu, HUN, 25.95
  7. Olivia Smoliga, USA, 25.97
  8. Marieke D’Cruz, AUS, 25.98
  9. Daryna Zevina, UKR, 25.99
  10. Aleksandra Urbanczyk, POL, 26.03

Smoliga was joined by Katie MeiliKelsi Dahlia and Mallory Comerford on the relay as they ended up breaking the world record by close to nine-tenths of a second in 1:42.38 for their second consecutive gold medal in the event.

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SUNY Cal
5 years ago

It’s definitely Smoliga & Baker 100 bk -2020 OLY Can’t see anyone else in USA beating them for those 2 spots.

anonymoose
5 years ago

i have to say it, such a pretty woman

Markster
Reply to  anonymoose
5 years ago

Kalisz is a lucky guy.

Zanna
Reply to  Markster
5 years ago

I think Kalisz brought another date to the Golden Goggles though.

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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