Loretta Race contributed to this report
Olivia Smoliga had a huge swim during prelims on day four of the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, setting a new games record in the 100m backstroke.
Heading into the event tied for the fourth seed, Smoliga jumped out onto the scene as the top 100m backstroker with a 1:00.35. In doing so, she beat top seed Dominique Bouchard of Canada.
Her time of 1:00.35 broke the previous Pan American Games record held by Rachel Bootsma of the United States. At the 2011 games in Guadalajara, Bootsma swam a 1:00.37.
“The one thing I want to take away from it most is kind of a confidence boost. I really want to go in there and feel how I used to feel, when I used to travel and go to these big meets — walk on deck with my head held high, and really just feel like I can do anything. That’s the feeling that I want back.”
Such were the words spoken by the University of Georgia Bulldog, Olivia Smoliga prior to her 100m backstroke swim.
The time for Smoliga is the second fastest she has ever gone in the event. The only time she was faster was at 2012 Olympic trials when she dropped a 59.82 performance.
With her new Pan American Games record, Smoliga is now ranked 21st in the world this season. I order to crack the top 10 tonight, Snoliga will need to be a 59.98. If she does that, she will be the first person ever to go under one-minute at in the history of the Pan American games.
LET’S GO, OLIVIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pretty sure was 59.8 back in 2012 . Everyone had HIGH hopes for her and hopefully she comes through tonight. 3 years is a a long time and very frustrating I am sure
More than 2 years I expect Olivia’s revival.
Cool!
I’m not gonna jump for joy with a 1.00.35 but that’s a first step in the right direction.