Olivia Smoliga Smokes 100 Back Final; Moves To Fourth In World

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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Women’s 100 Back FINAL:

The women’s 100 back was a star-studded event with Natalie Coughlin, the most decorate female Olympic swimmer of all time, and Missy Franklin, the defending Olympic gold medalist, dueling for a spot on the Rio Olympic team among collegiate stars Olivia Smoliga and Kathleen Baker.

After a quick disqualification scare following her prelims swim Smoliga has recovered, rebounded, and blown the competition away. The Georgia Bulldawg cranked out a 59.02 to earn her first Olympic berth and move to fourth in the world rankings for 2016.

Baker, who led at the 50, battled Smoliga until the very finish before stopping the clock at a 59.29 to join Smoliga on the Olympic team.

Amy Bilquist tried to get into the mix, finishing a close 59.37 for third.

Ali Deloof improved upon her semi-finals time of 59.85 to finish fourth with a 59.69.

Hannah Stevens squeezed under the one-minute mark with a final 59.97, good for fifth overall.

Clara Smiddy (1:00.12), Missy Franklin (1:00.24), and Natalie Coughlin (1:00.48) were sixth through eighth.

Photo Courtesy: Omega Timing

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Xcell Swimming

8 years ago

US swimming is the most shocked their darling Missy not going yet

Raquel Casswell

8 years ago

Maddy Casswell