KATHLEEN BAKER SHOCKS AND AWES
Nineteen-year-old American Kathleen Baker topped the world this morning in the heats of the 100m backstroke. It appeared as though she even shocked herself with a best time of 58.84. That time throws her into the medal hunt if she’s able to repeat in semifinals and finals.
SUN YANG LEADS THE 200 FREESTYLE HUNT
After a disappointing second place finish in the 400m freestyle last night Sun Yang of China snagged the top spot heading towards tonight’s 200m freestyle semifinals. Yang was a 1:45.75 to lead world record holder Paul Biedermann.
LILLY KING AND YULIA EFIMOVA TOP BREASTSTROKE FIELD – EFIMOVA BOOED
First time Olympian Lilly King was a 1:05.78 this morning to finish around half a second shy of her best time, but still managed to take the top overall seed. Second overall was Russia’s Yulia Efimova in 1:05.79. She was cleared to compete in the Games following being banned after serving two doping violations. She was booed by the crowd after her race.
CLUSTER OF MEN’S BACKSTROKERS AROUND 53-FLAT
The race for the men’s 100m backstroke gold is heating up already after prelims. Led by France’s Camille Lacourt, five athletes clocked in around 53-flat this morning. Xu Jiayu of China shocked with a 53.01 swim. Defending world champion Mitch Larkin was a 53.04. Americans Ryan Murphy and David Plummer threw down times of 53.06 and 53.19 respectively.
KATIE LEDECKY SCARED WORLD RECORD, BREAKS OLYMPIC RECORD
Katie Ledecky played with her own world record, falling just short of it and instead snagging the Olympic record. Her 3:58.71 makes her the undeniable favorite for tonight’s final where it’s her race to lose.
RUSSIA, USA, AUSTRALIA TAKE CHARGE IN MEN’S 400 FREE RELAY
Russia, the USA, and Australia, took charge in the heats of the 4×100 freestyle relay. American Anthony Ervin demonstrated great closing speed, but the best split was a 47.04 by Kyle Chalmers of Australia. With many of the teams substituting new members for tonight’s finals, things should head up tonight.
Baker’s 19