It didn’t take long for one of the five women to watch at the world junior championships to make her mark in Singapore. Taylor Ruck was a big factor in helping Canada win a silver medal in the 800 free relay, thanks to her 1:56.71 anchor leg that vaulted her from fourth to second.
Ruck’s 200 free has been steadily improving over the years, and the 15-year-old made a big step forward today with her split. It was the fastest of anyone in the field, and the only swim under 1:58 in the entire race. That puts Ruck in prime position to win gold in the 200 freestyle on Sunday.
Ruck’s split also is the fastest done by a Canadian this year. Emily Overholt’s 1:58.62 on the third leg of the 800 free relay at the world championships earlier this month was the previous standard bearer. Ruck was unable to qualify for the “senior” world championships earlier this year, finishing 11th at the Canadian trials with a 2:00.52. She’s already been under 2:00 with a lifetime best 1:59.79 at the USA Swimming junior nationals, but expect something faster at the end of the world junior championships.
Ruck will be busy in the days leading up to that 200 free race in Singapore. She is a strong medal contender in the 100 and 200 backstrokes, and should not be counted out in the 100 free. But it’s clear that the 200 free is the event where Ruck will shine the most at the meet, and her relay split continues to show how strong Canada is going to be at next year’s Olympics.
Congratulations Taylor Ruck on winning the Swimming World Performance of the Week!
Photo Courtesy: Omega Timing
She was amazing to watch at JR NATS!!
Good choice!