U.S. Nationals: Allison Schmitt Posts 1:56 for 200 Freestyle Triumph

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Photo Courtesy: Connor Trimble

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Women’s 200 Free (Allison Schmitt)

Dropping nearly two seconds from prelims and leading the pack from the beginning was Allison Schmitt, the eight-time Olympic medalists claiming the gold medal with a time of 1:56.97. Schmitt was roughly two seconds off of what Italy’s Federica Pellegrini posted (1:54.22) to win the world title. This effort was much faster than what Schmitt did at the World Championships, where she clocked 1:58.27 and finished 14th.

A three-time Olympian from 2008, 2012 and 2016, Schmitt will carry some momentum into the Olympic year. However, with the 200 freestyle featuring major depth, the veteran is likely going to have to return to the 1:55 range, or at least 1:56-low to challenge for a spot in Tokyo in relay duty.

Coming in second with a time of 1:57.84 was Paige Madden, followed by Brooke Forde with a time of 1:57.98. In fourth was Cierra Runge with a time of 1:58.82, followed in fifth by Gabby Deloof with a time of 1:59.03.

Fifteen-year-old Claire Tuggle, who was seeded first coming into finals, dropped to sixth place with a time of 1:59.49. While she gained over a second. Following behind Tuggle was Erica Laning who moved up from eighth to seventh with a time of 1:59.67. Coming in eighth was Emma Atkinson with a time of 1:59.82.

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