By John Lohn
OMAHA, Nebraska, July 3. A big-time show is on the horizon for the final of the women's 100 freestyle. That much is for certain after the semifinal duel that Natalie Coughlin and Dara Torres waged. The American-record holder, Coughlin fought off a charging Torres down the stretch and advanced to the final as the top seed with a time of 53.66. Torres, meanwhile, was clocked in 53.76.
Of course, both women must return to action tomorrow and solidify their spots. But, the way they looked in the Round of 16, that shouldn't be much of a problem. Torres' story is one of the best of Trials, as the 41-year-old is trying to qualify for her fifth Olympics, the second time after an eight-year layoff.
The field for the final is loaded with Lacey Nymeyer grabbing the third qualifying bid, thanks to a swim of 54.07. She was followed by Jessica Hardy (54.45) and Julia Smit (54.67). Hardy has already qualified for Beijing in the 100 breaststroke and Smit has locked up a berth as a member of the American 800 freestyle relay.
The remainder of the championship final will include Kara Lynn Joyce (54.71), Emily Silver (54.75) and Amanda Weir (54.81). Katie Hoff, qualified for the Olympics in the 200 and 400 freestyles and the 200 and 400 individual medley events, was 11th in 55.16 and did not make the final.
"I was telling Dara that right now I'm the oldest on the (women's) team and she's 16 years older than me, so I need her to raise the median," Coughlin said. "She helped me to go out fast."
Video Footage Removed Due to NBC Restrictions
Go to Swimming World's 2008 Olympics Landing Page for the most comprehensive coverage of the meet on the Internet.
