Allison Schmitt Scratches 400 Freestyle After Subpar Swims at Nationals

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, June 27. ALLISON Schmitt has withdrawn from tomorrow's 400 freestyle at the USA Swimming nationals, ending a disappointing meet that saw her out of the championship finals of the 100 and 200 freestyles.

Bob Bowman, Schmitt's coach at North Baltimore Aquatic Club, confirmed the scratch to Swimming World, saying injury or illness did not plague Schmitt this week. The two will use the time to regroup for the next season, Bowman said.

Though many top swimmers are not having the performances they expected at the IU Natatorium, Schmitt's setbacks have been the most prominent this week. The reigning Olympic champion in the 200 freestyle finished 10th in the 100 free with a 54.98 and ninth in the 200 free with a 1:58.62. Her time in the 200 free would have placed sixth in the final in Indianapolis, potentially good enough for a spot on the world championship roster as an alternate for the 800 free relay. But it's the place that determines a spot on the team, not the time.

Schmitt won the 200 free in London with a 1:53.61 and swam the anchor legs on the 400 freestyle relay and 400 medley relay in the Olympics. She made big contributions to the University of Georgia at the 2013 NCAA championships, winning the 200 free and participating in several relays.

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