Cate Campbell Sets Olympic Record in 100 Freestyle Prelims

Photo Courtesy: Delly Carr

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

World record holder Cate Campbell of Australia finished in a new Olympic record time of 52.78 this morning in the 100 freestyle prelims. That was still seven tenths shy of the 52.06 she posted last month.

“It never feels as effortless as it looks,” Campbell said. “It was a good heats swim. Sets me up for a good place tonight. Just looking forward to doing the rounds and keeping as fast and relaxed as possible.”

Simone Manuel of the United States led the first circle seeded heat at the 50 meter mark and was incredibly smooth coming home. Manuel will return to semifinals in second with a 53.32, only three tenths off the American record.

“Just taking it one race at a time and swimming it as fast as I can,” Manuel said. “Right now all I can ask for now is personal bests. I’m really happy with this morning, and hopefully it will set me up well for tonight.”

With Olympic gold in the 100 fly and silver in the 200 free already in tow, Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom swam a 53.57 this morning for the third spot. The Netherlands’ Ranomi Kromowidjojo held the old Olympic record at 53.00. This morning she finished fourth in 53.43.

Canada’s young Penny Oleksiak tied Denmark’s Jeanette Ottesen for the fifth seed as the two both posted 53.53s. Abbey Weitzeil of the USA was .01 behind the duo in 53.54.

Reigning world champion Bronte Campbell of Australia will return eighth in 53.71. Canada’s Chantal Van Landeghem swam a 53.89 and Charlotte Bonnet of France followed in 53.93.

Denmark’s Pernille Blume and China’s Menghui Zhu tied for 11th with 54.15s. Belarus’ Aliaksandra Herasimenia touched in 54.25 and Etiene Medeiros of Brazil posted a 54.38 this morning. China’s Duo Shen took the 15th spot with a 54.41.

Japanes teammates Rikako Ikee and Miki Uchida posted the third tie of the morning and will have to swim-off for the 16th spot in tonight’s semifinals.

Italy’s Federica Pellegrini had the sixth fastest time in the world this year but did not swim what should have been her final individual event of the week.

Full preliminary results can be found here.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use