Micah Lawrence Expected A Bronze Medal In 200 Breast, Got Silver At Worlds (SW Radio)

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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When Micah Lawrence turned at 150 meters to start the sprint toward the finish of the 200 breaststroke at the FINA world championships, she saw Rikke Pedersen and Kanako Watanabe so far ahead of her that she believed nothing better than a bronze medal was possible.

But the American saw a “2” next to her name on the scoreboard, the result of a shocking final 10 meters that saw her pass Pedersen and get ahead of a surprising three-way tie for bronze.

“It’s crazy,” she said.

Listen To Interview On Swimming World Radio

The winning time by Watanabe – 2:21.15 – was slower than Lawrence expected, saying she thought the winner would be in the 2:20 range.

“I thought there at least was going to be a 2:20 in there, and I was like, ‘I hope if they go (under 2:21) I’m going with them,’ because that’s what I want to do. But I think it was about the race, … and it just happened to be that way. I’m sure we’ll be better at the Olympics next year. This is just a stepping stone.”

After Lawrence swam a subpar 100 breast earlier in the meet, she thought the 200 breast wouldn’t go as she planned. Being able to redeem herself is a lesson she said she’ll take away from the meet.

“I did not believe I could (swim fast in the 200 breast),” she said. “But my coaches and teammates believed that I could, and that’s honestly the only reason … I got a silver medal.”

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