Zhang Lin Misses First Opportunity to Score FINA A Cut at Chinese Youth Championships

BEIJING, China, May 21. ZHANG Lin, the 800 free world champion in 2009, missed on his first attempt at the Chinese Youth Championships to make the Chinese Olympic team with a FINA A cut.

Zhang, who already dropped trying for the men's 1500 freestyle altogether, clocked a 1:49.50 in the men's 200 free to win the event. That performance finished well off the FINA A cut of 1:47.82. He will have two more chances to make the team this week, as he is also competing in the 100 and 400 freestyle events. He will need either a 48.82 or a 3:48.92, respectively, to lock down a spot on the Chinese roster. Zhang's best hope likely is in the 400 free, as he is the reigning Olympic silver medalist in the event.

Earlier this year, Zhang missed out on the initial stage of Chinese Olympic qualifying at its national championships and Olympic Trials. China is looking for Zhang to pick up a spot on the team, primarily as a boost to its men's 800 freestyle relay.

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