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American Assault Lined Up for Backstroke

Aug 2, 2012

Olympic Games, London, Day 6 semi-finals:

Women's 200m backstroke:

Britain's Elizabeth Simmonds took advantage of the home crowd atmosphere to lead through to the 50 - after which Elizabeth Beisel (USA), silver medalist in the 400 IM on Day 1 - took control of the race. She was 1:02.13 at the halfway mark, hot on her heels the Australian Meagan Nay. Beisel kept her lead and pushed home to win heat 1 in 2:06.18. Nay was 2:07.42, and a strong finish from Anastasia Zueva placed her third in 2:07.88.

In heat 2 Canadian record-holder Sinead Russell took no chances and hit the wall at the 50 tied for the lead with American powerhouse Missy Franklin (30.17). Franklin kept up the pressure and was ahead by the 100 - after which defending champion Kirsty Coventry (ZIM) moved up on the rest of the field. Franklin looked strong with over a body length lead - clocking 2:06.84 for top spot. Coventry was 2:08.32 and Russell in third with 2:08.76.

Going into the final Beisel leads in lane 4 - followed by Franklin, Nay and Zueva. Simmonds stayed in the running with a 7th place in 2:08.48 - and Russell made it in for 8th spot - securing another final swim for Canada tomorrow.

Beijing 2008:

  • 1. Kirsty Coventry (ZIM) 2:05.24 wr
  • 2. Margaret Hoelzer (USA) 2:06.23
  • 3. Reiko Nakamura (JPN) 2:07.13
  • Coventry's WR splits: 29.62, 1:00.83, (31.21), 1:32.69 (31.86), 2:05.24 (32.55)
  • Fastest field: 2:05.24 - 2:10.12

Comparison fields:

  • Beijing 2008: 2:05.24 - 2:10.12
  • Athens 2004: 2:09.19 - 2:12.90