Ryan Murphy Misses Men’s 200 Back Final After 10th Place Finish In Semifinals

2024 PARIS SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES

Defending silver medalist Ryan Murphy of the US missed the final of the men’s 200 backstroke after posting a 1:56.62 in semifinals for 10th. Murphy already won silver in the 100 backstroke this week.

It took a 1:56.52 to make tomorrow night’s final as Spain’s Hugo Gonzalez earned the last spot in finals with the 8th fastest time of the night. Murphy looked to be in position to make the final as he pushed his first-25 of the last 50 but he was unable to hold on and the field closed on him as he fell to 6th in the second semifinals heat.

Murphy was looking to make history as he could have become the first swimmer to ever make back to back to back podiums in both backstroke events. He won the 100 back in Rio, won bronze in the 100 in Tokyo, and won silver here in Paris. In the 200 back, he won gold in Rio before winning silver in Tokyo.

The US looks to still continue its backstroke success as Keaton Jones, who trains alongside Murphy at Cal, is the 6th seed tomorrow night after swimming a 1:56.39. The US has had a swimmer on the podium in the event in every Olympics since 1996. The last time they did not have a medalist was at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

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Cate
3 months ago

Murphy didn’t win silver in the 100M back this week. He won a bronze.

Back2Back
3 months ago

What happens when a swimmer is DQd in semi final – say for going past the 15meter underwater on start? Does the 9th place finisher move up? Was thinking of Ryan…

Cate
Reply to  Back2Back
3 months ago

You must have been watching someone else

Flint
3 months ago

Cal men have sucked except for one swim. Meanwhile Eddie’s boys are tearing it up…3 individual medals

Andrew’s father
Reply to  Flint
3 months ago

Jack alexy gold? Hunter Armstrong 46.7? Hugo Gonsalez 6th in 100 back? Keaton jones + Hugo making 200 back final? Murphy getting a bronze? And the meet is only 5 days in? You clearly don’t know what your talking about and wait until jones unleashes on this 200 back tomorrow!

rob
3 months ago

My favorite swimmer of the last decade.
One disappointing semi in no way takes away from his legacy of distinguished and thrilling races and his leadership at both Cal and on numerous U.S. national teams.

Looking ahead to relay later this week and fatherhood down the road.

Awesomeness ahead.

John Culhane
3 months ago

It’s not that hard to fact-check your article. It’s embarrassing to say he won silver in the 100 back — and you wrote it twice.

Calvin
3 months ago

Maybe don’t stay underwater so long? Save some oxygen for the last sprint?

Cate
Reply to  Calvin
3 months ago

Well, call him up and tell him. I’m sure he’ll be just thrilled for you to coach him.

AFlyer
3 months ago

May Murry’s underwater in Keaton Jones

seasprite
3 months ago

I was at a meet with another parent who was trying to navigate getting up into the stands with an injury that made it awkward. Ryan was walking by on the pool deck and stopped and helped her up. Medals are great and the time and effort is significant I’m sure… Personally, for me, that simple gesture was memorable.

Bailey Ludden
Reply to  seasprite
3 months ago

Plus he’s gonna be a DAD!! His “career” is just getting started!

James Beam
Reply to  Bailey Ludden
3 months ago

couldn’t agree any more with this!

About Anya Pelshaw

Anya Pelshaw

Anya has been with SwimSwam since June 2021 as both a writer and social media coordinator. She was in attendance at the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Women's NCAA Championships writing and doing social media for SwimSwam. She also attended 2023 US Summer Nationals as well as the 2024 European Championships …

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