U.S. Olympic Trials: Missy Franklin Posts World Textile Best; Downs American Record in 100 Back

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OMAHA, Nebraska, June 27. MISSY Franklin of the Colorado Stars, who already burst onto the international scene at last summer's World Championships, can now call herself an Olympian having dealt with the massive amount pressure as “The Next Big Thing.” This evening, she charted her way to a textile best and an American record in the women's 100 back at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials.

Franklin blasted right through 59 seconds with a 58.85, after posting a 59.06 in semis, to break Natalie Coughlin's American record of 58.94, her Trials record of 58.97 as well as Zhao Jing's textile best of 58.94 set in China in 2010. Franklin's swim now stands as the seventh fastest of all time behind a slew of techsuit era swims, including Gemma Spofforth's world record of 58.12. The win is Franklin's first as the high schooler made her way to the Olympic squad. She also is the first swimmer to hold the 100 and 200 back American records at the same time since Coughlin did so from 2002-07.

Aquajets' Rachel Bootsma pushed Franklin through to the finish with a sizzling time of 59.49. She had been fastest during semis with a 59.10, but likely does not care after clinching the second spot on the Olympic roster.

Notably, Bootsma's head coach Kate Lundsten of the Aquajets is the sister of Tom Malchow's coach Paul Lundsten. Malchow is the last Minnesota native to have made an Olympic team, and both Lundstens are head club coaches in the Twin Cities.

Veteran Natalie Coughlin, who had been the two-time defending champion in this event with wins in 2004 (59.85) and 2008 (58.97), witnessed not only the win streak come to an end, but her accustomed spot on the Olympic roster with a third-place 1:00.06. She will need to make her 100 free count on Friday, potentially grabbing a relay spot.

Olivia Smoliga (1:00.46), Bonnie Brandon (1:00.82), Jenny Connolly (1:00.83), Kylie Stewart (1:00.86) and Megan Romano (1:01.02) rounded out the championship eight.

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