Katie Ledecky Maintains Top Seed In Semi-Finals Of 200 Free

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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Women’s 200 Free Semi-Finals:

Unsurprisingly Katie Ledecky jumped to the lead early in the second heat of semi-finals, splitting a time of 56.73 before cruising to a final time of 1:55.10. Ledecky, who flirted with a new world record in the 400 free last night, has been as fast as 1:54.43 this year.

“We’ve worked a lot on my turns and those are feeling really good, both going in and coming out, and keep those same and swim a little harder I think it will be good tomorrow”, said Ledecky.

Leah Smith, who earned her first Olympic berth last night in the 400 free with Ledecky, added slightly to her prelims time of 1:56.47, finishing with a 1:56.73 to maintain her spot as the second seed.

The gold medalist from London, Allison Schmitt, cruised to a time of 1:57.05 in the first heat of semi-finals, good for third going into tomorrow night’s final.

Missy Franklin clocked a 1:57.33 to grab the fourth-place seed going into tomorrow night’s final. Franklin will also be looking to defend her 100 back Olympic title in a tight 100 back field later tonight.

Melanie Margalis, who scratched out of the final heat of the 100 breast, grabbed a spot in the finals with a time of 1:57.35, good for fifth.

Simone Manuel jumped to an early lead in the first head of semi-finals before being overtaken by Smith, Schmitt and Franklin. The sprint superstar clocked a 1:57.82 to join tomorrow’s final heat.

Cierra Runge (1:58.10) and Katie McLaughlin (1:58.43) round out the top eight qualifiers.

Photo Courtesy: Omega Timing

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