Video Interview: Allison Schmitt Back on Top in 200 Free

Jul 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Allison Schmitt of the United States celebrates winning the women’s 200m freestyle final during the 2015 Pan Am Games at Pan Am Aquatics UTS Centre and Field House. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher/USA Today Sports Images

Entering Friday night’s finals, Allison Schmitt had not won a National title in the 200 free or even qualified for finals in the event at Nationals since winning the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London. That changed tonight, when Schmitt held off Hali Flickinger to take the crown in a final time of 1:56.91.

While Schmitt did not get down to her season-best time of 1:56.23 that she clocked on her way to the gold medal at the Pan American Games, she nevertheless recorded her second swim under 1:57 in as many months. Schmitt spoke immediately after the race about her thoughts on the time and race strategy and how she feels about potentially representing the United States once again on the highest level after a three year absence.

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