Panziera Goes Sub-2:06 In 200 Back, 5th Fastest Performer Ever

2019 ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

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Margherita Panziera continues to race with furious purpose, notching her 2nd Italian Record at these National Championships in Riccione. After already nailing the 100m NR with the 58.92 she led-off with on her squad’s medley relay to become the first Italian female ever under 59 in that event, the 24-year-old produced a big-time 2:05.72 tonight in the 200m back.

Panziera opened in 1:01.58 to crush the field from the get-go, closing in 1:04.14 to clinch the gold in 2:05.72. That obliterated the World Championships qualification time of 2:08.90, as well as the field, whose next closest competitor was Erika Francesca Gaetani‘s 2:12.86.

The previous Italian Record was set by Panziera last summer at the European Championships. There in Glasgow, the speedy swimmer clocked 2:06.18 for the gold, so tonight’s mark is monumental for the swimmer as she dipped under the 2:06 barrier for the first time ever.

Her time would have taken gold at the 2016 Olympic Games (!)

With her monster effort, Panziera now takes over as the world’s #1 swimmer this season.

2018-2019 LCM WOMEN 200 BACK

ReganUSA
SMITH
07/26
2.03.35 *WR
2Margherita
PANZIERA
ITA2.05.7204/06
3Kylie
MASSE
CAN2.05.9404/05
4Kaylee
McKEOWN
AUs2.06.2607/27
5Taylor
RUCK
CAN2.06.7004/05
View Top 26»

On the all-time list, per USA Swimming, Panziera has now become the 5th fastest performer ever in the event, kicking Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu off the list.

#1 – 2:04.06 Missy Franklin USA 2012 Olympic Games 7/28/2012 London
#2 – 2:04.81 Kirsty Coventry ZIM 2009 World Champs 8/1/2009 Rome
#3 – 2:04.94 Anastasia Fesikova RUS 2009 World Champs 8/1/2009 Rome
#4 – 2:05.68 Emily Seebohm AUS 7/29/2017 Budapest
#5 – 2:05.72 Margherita Panziera

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NOFLYKICK
5 years ago

2:05 is no joke. 5th all-time, and 2 of the 4 ahead of her were suited.
Masse, Rick, Smith & Baker, (and a handful of other speedsters) have some serious competition here.

marklewis
5 years ago

The international field for women’s backstroke is getting more loaded all the time. Panziera is now in the medal hunt at 2019 Worlds.

Can Regan Smith swim a 2:05 or better? She’s doesn’t seem to be close to her peak yet.

idiolmo
5 years ago

She lost ER in the 3rd 50.

Ragnar
5 years ago

Makes me wonder which of Missy’s or Piersols 200 back record is more attainable looking towards 2020. Both were near perfect swims, and I’ll always wonder what Piersol would’ve gone in 2009 100 back if he didn’t miss finals with that bad flip turn, 51.5?

ytho
Reply to  Ragnar
5 years ago

His 200 WR will never be broken, at least not in the upcoming years
In 2009 he had a chance again with the 100 at the relay later, went 52 low. I guess he wasnt in his sprintiest form in Rome.

hambone
Reply to  ytho
5 years ago

It’s never a good time to say “never”

Bearly Breathing
Reply to  ytho
5 years ago

I’m curious — how do you define “upcoming years”?

Dudeman
Reply to  Bearly Breathing
5 years ago

I honestly don’t see that record being touched (or even scared) until the next olympic cycle at the earliest. No one has been within even a second of it in 8 years

Ytho
Reply to  Bearly Breathing
5 years ago

Dudeman just answeared this question for me.

Jorge
5 years ago

Congrats!

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