By John Lohn
BEIJING, China, August 15. MOST of the big guns will come out tomorrow, but that didn't stop Australia – the favorite in the event – from capturing the top seed for the final of the women's 400 medley relay. The Aussies turned to the quartet of Emily Seebohm, Tarnee White, Felicity Galvez and Shayne Reese for a time of 3:57.94.
Great Britain qualified in the second spot as Gemma Spofforth, Kate Haywood, Jemma Lowe and Francesca Halsall generated a European record of 3:59.14 to just clip the United States, which was timed in 3:59.15. Margaret Hoelzer gave the U.S. a backstroke leg of 59.29 before Megan Jendrick, Elaine Breeden and Kara Lynn Joyce closed out the relay.
China was fourth-fastest during the prelims with Xu Tianlongzi, Sun Ye, Zhou Yafei and Pang Jiaying combining for an effort of 3:59.21, an Asian record. Russia followed in 3:59.66 and Japan was the sixth-place finisher in 3:59.91. Rounding out the field for the final were Sweden (4:02.12) and Canada (4:02.13).
The Australians will likely go with a foursome of Seebohm, Leisel Jones, Jessicah Schipper and Libby Trickett while the British squad appears as if it will remain intact. The United States will probably turn to a lineup of Natalie Coughlin, Rebecca Soni, Christine Magnuson and Dara Torres.
Results: 2008 Olympic Games - Swimming
Reaction Time Comments
August 15, 2008 I say Aussies with this one. US could pull the upset, but Jones' 100 split (even with last nights 200) could be the difference. I call a close race but still favor Australia. Submitted by: paddles
August 15, 2008 I agree, paddles. Soni will likely be the key for the U.S. Coughlin will get a lead, and the fly and free are close enough to swing either way in relay conditions. The first 200 is going to set the stage for this race. Submitted by: Dizzy1203
August 15, 2008 Whoops. When I was putting that prediction up last night about this relay....forgot about Felicity Galvez. Darn. She was 56 on this.
That could be the difference maker as they can leave Schipper out and use her and put Libby on the back for sure now.
Submitted by: rcoach
August 15, 2008 rcoach,
Good observation about the replacement with Felicity Galvez. She's been swimming better at this meet and if the Aussies are smart they'll use her in place of Schipper.
Soni is key on our end, but so is Hansen. Also, it'll be interesting to see what Seebohm splits - she's capable of quite a bit better than she's been swimming. The US will have to be on for the girls and the guys have to beware of Sullivan pulling a Lezak on the anchor. Submitted by: mario2007
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