Katie Ledecky, Leah Smith Cruise to Top 200 Freestyle Spots

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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2015 World Champion Katie Ledecky once again dominated her morning swim after destroying the 400 last night. The 19 year old posted a 1:55.60 in the 200 freestyle. That is the fifth best in the world this year, over a second off her season best.

Leah Smith also dazzled last night in the 400 freestyle. This morning she secured a lane in the semifinal with a 1:56.47.

Melanie Margalis was incredible relaxed before her swim and posted a 1:57.61 to win the second circle seeded heat in a statement swim and the third overall seed.

2012 Olympic gold medalist Allison Schmitt won the first circle seeded heat in 1:57.77. Her NBAC teammate Cierra Runge was just behind her in 1:58.11 for the fifth spot.

Shannon Vreeland was a relay swimmer in 2012 and swam a 1:58.29 this morning to give herself another shot.

With a 100 backstroke final looming ahead tonight, Missy Franklin tied for the seventh seed in 1:58.61. Georgia’s Hali Flickinger shares that seventh spot.

Sarah Gibson of Texas A&M was the first swimmer under two minutes this morning in 1:59.19 and she will return ninth.

Sprint star Simone Manuel clocked a 1:59.27 this morning for tenth, followed by Katie Drabot in 11th (1:59.28). Karlee Bispo (1:59.29) was just .01 behind her.

Trojan Chlesea Chenault (1:59.67) finished 13th. Katie McLaughlin played an important role in the 4×200 freestyle relay last summer at the World Championships. This morning she stopped the clock in 1:59.76 to slip into semifinals.

Mallory Comerford of Louisville swam a 1:59.78 and Sarah Henry (2:00.00) will also complete the semifinals.

Photo Courtesy: Omega Timing

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