Sarah Sjostrom Sneaks Past Ledecky For Top Seed In 200 Free Semi-Finals

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Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

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Women’s 200 Free Semi-Finals:

Both semi-final heats of the women’s 200 free were highlighted by close finishes as swimmers battled for the top finish. Sarah Sjostrom went head-to-head with the USA’s Katie Ledecky and World Record holder Federica Pellegrini in heat two of the semis. Sjostrom and Ledecky exchanged the lead throughout but a strong underwater off the final turn gave Sjostrom a slight edge over Ledecky.

Sjostrom stopped the clock at a 1:54.65 to pick up the first place seed going into tomorrow’s final, while Ledecky settled for second and a 1:54.81.

Pellegrini led through the first turn before fading slightly to third and a time of 1:55.42.

China’s Shen Duo charged ahead of a crowded heat one to finish with a 1:56.03, good for fourth in tomorrow night’s final.

Michelle Coleman of Sweden, who held her own with the likes of Sjostrom and Ledecky, will return tomorrow night as the fifth place seed with a time of 1:56.05.

Australia’s Emma McKeon (1:56.29) and France’s Charlotte Bonnet (1:56.38) return as seventh and eighth respectively.

Click here to view full results from day three finals.

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Andrew Webber

7 years ago

Sorry Katie, not this time. I think Katie is right to drop some distance though, she’s the best swimmer in the world today and women’s long events are just a bit too niche for her skills.

Tammy Lee

7 years ago

Only because Katie let her. All she needed to do was get in the finals.

Celeste Patini Donola

7 years ago

I think Pellegrini wants that gold medal more than ever! We will see.. it’s gonna be an exciting race

Scott Turner

7 years ago

Sarah I think. But will be close.

Rodrigo Martins Alves

7 years ago

Sarah will be number One 🙂

Bill Curlee

7 years ago

Katie will get her tomorrow!?

Mary S Lynch

7 years ago

Tomorrow!

Nostradamus

7 years ago

Sarah is a sprinter and Kate a marathon swimmer! A bit to long for a explosive swimmer and a bit to short for a long distance swimmer! Can go either way both have a tough program. I will go for the faster swimmer this time, best in the semifinal(very sure kate wanted to win) and better pb in a distance she never focused on before. Highlight of the day!