For the swim poll of the week for Thursday, May 19, we wanted to know: Which Relay do the American Women have the Best Chance of Winning at Worlds?
The Australian women have historically been dominant in the 400 freestyle relay. Though in 2017 the American women edged out their Aussie counterparts amid a Kate Campbell absence. Campbell will be missing this race again as she abstains from Worlds in order to focus on the Commonwealth Games. In addition to the Australians, the US will also have to outswim Canada and China. Led by Penny Oleksiak, Zhang Yufei, and Yang Junxuan who are all formidable opponents, looking to lead their countries to gold.
Coming into the 400 medley relay, the American women have an impressive squad comprised of Regan Smith, Lilly King, Claire Curzan and Torri Huske. Even against a full-fledged Aussie team this is a match-up to be reckoned with. Team USA typically switches out swimmers between prelims and finals but the US alternates are heavy-hitters. Rhyan White and Katharine Berkoff in backstroke, Kate Douglass for butterfly, and either Erika Brown or Natalie Hinds in freestyle.
In terms of the 800 freestyle relay, Katie Ledecky is the only returning member of the silver medal squad from Tokyo. The Olympic gold medal Chinese relay team returns to this event next month. Canada has Summer McIntosh, Taylor Ruck, and Kayla Sanchez in their reserves as well. There is a solid chance the US will medal with Ledecky, Claire Weinstein, Leah Smith, and Hali Flickinger along with Bella Sims and Alex Walsh as relays. Though compared to the other two relays, this one could possibly be the toughest battle.
Swim Poll of the Week: Which Relay do the American Women have the Best Chance of Winning at Worlds?
400 Freestyle Relay — 14%
400 Medley Relay — 61%
800 Freestyle Relay — 23%