Adkins Wins 200 Back -- August 15, 2000

By Kari Lydersen

Amanda Adkins came from behind to win the women's 200 back in 2:12.97, securing her a spot on the Olympic team. Adkins, 23 and swimming for Athens Bulldogs, was in fifth at the 100 (1:05.63), well behind early leader Lea Maurer.
By the 150 she had moved into third, still almost a full second behind Maurer. But Adkins finished with a swift 33.52 to take the heat. Adkins had been third in this event at the 1996 Trials, just missing the team.
Lindsay Benko, the 200 free champion, was second in 2:13.19, with a 1:05.13 first half. Shelly Ripple ended up third in 2:14.25, and Linda Riker was fourth in 2:14.41.
Maurer, the 1992 Olympic bronze medalist in the 100 back, faded to fifth (2:15.12). Maurer had led the field solidly at the 50 (31.11), 100 (1:04.26) and even 150 but swam a tired 36.54 last 50.
Beth Botsford, the 1996 Olympic gold medalist in the 100 back, was sixth in 2:15.39, and Keegan Walkley was seventh in 2:17.60. Katie Cowan was eighth in 2:17.96.

Full results are available from theUS Swimming site

TV COVERAGE OF THE SWIM TRIALS
Olympic Swim Trials coverage on NBC:
Aug 19, 4-6 p.m. EST

Olympic Swim Trials coverage on PAX-TV:
Aug. 26, 9-11 p.m. ET and PT