Missy Franklin is 17-years-old. She looks like an adult, acts more composed than any adult at the Olympics and competes at the highest level, which is why she looked nothing like a teenager in her 200-meter backstroke victory, both during her swim and in the immediate aftermath.
Olympics 2012, Women’s 200m Backstroke: Missy Franklin Sets World Record In Victory
As usual, Franklin was humble after yet another spectacular performance. “I can’t believe what just happened,” said Franklin. “In that last 25, I knew I was giving it everything I had because I couldn’t feel my arms and legs and I was just trying to get my hand to the wall as fast I could ... I could never dream for it to happen like that.”
Franklin set the world record in a comfortable full body length win over Anastasia Zueva, as well as fellow American Elizabeth Beisel. The previous world record was set by Kirsty Coventry in 2009, which she set while wearing the now banned ultra-fast bodysuit.
This was Franklin’s last individual swim of the games, but she has a chance at one more medal, in the women’s 4x100 medley relay.
For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation’s London 2012 Olympics Hub. For more on Olympic swimming, follow the 2012 Olympic swimming section.
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