USA Women Discuss Thrill Of Winning 800 Free Relay Gold (SW Radio)

Though Sweden put up a big fight, the United States managed to win the women’s 800 free relay in convincing fashion at the FINA world championships. All four were grinning ear to ear as they talked to reporters about the swim after receiving their medals.

Listen To Interview On Swimming World Radio

For Katie McLaughlin, it was a tough night of racing, competing in the 200 butterfly final about an hour before the relay. She said being on a relay with Sweden holding about a body length lead when she dove in on the third leg of the relay, as well as having talented women supporting her, gave her an extra boost.

“Having my teammates on my relay definitely gave me a little strength at the end when I felt tired,” she said.

It was Leah Smith’s first final in her world championship debut, and she said she had a lot of pressure to uphold the Americans’ history of the event.

“I was definitely shaking on the blocks a little bit,” she said. “I’m really fortunate to have my first race be with those girls.”

Missy Franklin is no stranger to the 800 relay at the world championships, having served as the leadoff swimmer on the winning teams in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

“I will go wherever they want me to go,” Franklin said. “I love to lead off, but it’s wherever the team wants me the most. And we all know that Katie (Ledecky) is more than a capable anchor.”

Ledecky didn’t have too much to worry about when she dove in as the fourth swimmer on the relay. McLaughlin was able to bridge the gap considerably, down to just a few tenths behind Sweden.

“I knew if I was within striking distance, I could bring it home,” she said. “I’m so proud of (McLaughlin). She’s had a tremendous week and she’s done a lot for this team.”

Though the ladies are all business in the water, they said they enjoyed laughing and joking with each other before and after the race. That continued onto the medal podium, where they shared big smiles and laughed a little. Ledecky said that was an important reason why they were able to perform well as a foursome.

“We know it’s our relay, and we take it very seriously, but we have a lot of fun when we do it,” she said.

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