By John Lohn
OMAHA, Nebraska, June 30. MAKE it two Olympic nods for Katie Hoff.
A night after setting a world record in the 400 individual medley, Hoff used a sensational back half to win the 400 freestyle and increase her workload for Beijing. Sitting in fourth through the 200-meter mark, Hoff picked up the pace considerably and clocked a time of 4:02.32 to just miss her American record of 4:02.20.
When Hoff decided to drop the hammer, her competition felt the full force of her talent. She quickly moved up on the field, passing Kate Ziegler, Allison Schmitt and Caroline Burckle. When Hoff took the lead, it was clear she wasn't going to be caught. Hoff still has the 100, 200 and 800 freestyles ahead, along with the 200 individual medley.
"I didn't imagine it as bad as I did," Hoff said. "I think I brought it back real well. Hopefully, over the next month, I can work on my front half and drop a little bit more. Every time I get into the water for a final, I want to get my best time and I was only a tenth off. So, I can't really complain."
Ziegler, who has had a handful of battles with Hoff, took the second spot in China as she touched the wall in 4:03.92, splitting 29.39 for her final 50 meters. Ziegler, also looking to make the Olympic Team in the 800 free and as a member of the 800 freestyle relay, managed to hold off Schmitt, a rising teenager. Schmitt was timed in 4:05.05, with Burckle just behind in 4:05.09.
There was a big dropoff to the fifth spot, a testament to the stellar swims produced by the aforementioned quartet. Kelsey Ditto grabbed fifth place in 4:09.59 and was followed by Jessica Rodriquez (4:10.76), Maggie Bird (4:11.67) and Alyssa Anderson (4:14.28).
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.
