Missy Franklin set a new American record in the women’s 100m backstroke, winning in the finals of the race at the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials with a time of 58.85 seconds. Franklin was followed by Rachel Bootsma, who touched the wall in 59.49. And oh, they’re 17 and 18 years old, respectively.
2012 Olympic Swimming Trials: Missy Franklin Sets American Record In Women’s 100m Back
The queen of the 100m back has long been Natalie Coughlin, who won the gold medal in the event at each of the last two Olympics and set the American record in the event (58.97) in Omaha, Neb., back in 2008. But the two youngsters beat out the 29-year-old Coughlin on Wednesday night to earn their first spots on an Olympic team.
Coughlin led through the first 50 meters, with Bootsma following shortly behind, but Franklin had a strong finish and stormed back from fourth place to earn the record. It wasn’t even clear Franklin would win the race until the final 15 meters or so, when she turned on the jets and coasted to the wall with Bootsma just behind her. Coughlin finished third, 1.21 seconds behind Franklin’s record-setting pace.
Stay with our StoryStream for the latest from the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Swimming in Omaha as Team USA is decided.
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