By John Lohn<\/p>\n
CRANBURY, New Jersey, March 4. FINALLY, we tackle one of the breaststroke events in SwimmingWorldMagazine.com's<\/b> Olympic Preview Series. The women's 200 breast has been the domain of Aussie Leisel Jones for the past few years and she certainly is the heavy favorite heading into Beijing. The fight for silver and bronze, however, is a little less clear.<\/p>\n
Historical Perspective<\/b><\/p>\n
Defending Champion:<\/b> Amanda Beard (United States) \u2013 2:23.37.
\nWorld-Record Holder:<\/b> Leisel Jones (Australia) \u2013 2:20.54.
\nMost Titles:<\/b> Germany (Three) \u2013 Hilde Schrader (1924); Ursula Happe (1956); Silke Hoerner (1988). USSR (Three) \u2013 Galina Prozumenshikova (1964); Marina Koshevaia (1976); Lina Kaciusyte (1980).
\nNotable:<\/b> Of the 19 times the 200 breaststroke has been contested in the Olympic Games, the United States has won the event only twice. While Sharon Wichman prevailed in the 1968 Games in Mexico City, Amanda Beard earned the title four years ago in Athens.<\/p>\n
Here's a look at the leading contenders in the women's 200 breaststroke heading into the Beijing Olympics.<\/p>\n
Leisel Jones:<\/b>
\nWhat Michael Phelps is to the 200 butterfly on the male side, Jones is to the 200 breast among women. The silver medalist at the 2004 Games, Jones has separated herself from the competition in a big way. Her world record stands two seconds faster than any other athlete in history and she has proven, thanks to dominance at the past two World Championships, that she can deliver victory on a big stage. If Jones performs to her potential, a sub-2:20 outing is not out of question. Of course, that would undoubtedly equate to a gold medal.<\/p>\n
Rebecca Soni:<\/b>
\nThe University of Southern California standout has emerged as the top American threat for a medal. Last summer, Soni won the national title in the event and popped the second-fastest time in the world with a clocking of 2:23.36 at the Japan International Swim Meet. Most recently, Soni set an NCAA record in the 200-yard breaststroke.<\/p>\n
Megumi Taneda:<\/b>
\nRanked third in the world last year, the Japanese swimmer narrowly dipped under the 2:24 barrier, going 2:23.85. The Pacific Rim has been solid in this event for many years and Taneda is simply carrying forth that tradition. The question is whether she can navigate the Japanese Trials and then excel under Olympic pressure.<\/p>\n
Kirsty Balfour:<\/b>
\nRanked ninth in the world last year, the swimmer from Great Britain had a strong showing at the World Championships, sharing the silver medal with American Megan Jendrick. Balfour had a season-best time of 2:25.45, a mark that will likely need to be sliced for a chance at a medal.<\/p>\n
Megan Jendrick:<\/b>
\nThe race for the two United States berths to Beijing will be tight, but Jendrick will be right at the front of the battle. The 2000 Olympic champ in the 100 breast, she obviously has what it takes to get the job done. At last year's World Champs, she shared the silver medal and produced a time of 2:25.94, good for 14th in the world for 2007.<\/p>\n
Pacific-Rim Contenders:<\/b>
\nJapan's Nanaka Tamura rated fourth in the world last year, behind a best effort of 2:24.55. Meanwhile, Korea's Seul-Ki Jung was fifth in the world, thanks to her winning time of 2:24.67 from the World University Games. Another to keep an eye on is Japan's Rie Kanetou, who went 2:25.62 in 2007.<\/p>\n
Yuliya Efimova:<\/b>
\nThe youngster from Russia, who is rapidly improving and grabbing attention on the international scene, was the seventh-fastest performer last year, her best clocking being a 2:25.23. There's reason to believe Efimova, born in 1992, will continue to drop time and be a factor for a podium position.<\/p>\n
Caitlin Leverenz:<\/b>
\nOne of the biggest rising stars in the United States, Leverenz will have a number of chances to earn an Olympic spot at the American Trials in Omaha this summer. She was 12th in the world in the 200 breast last year (2:25.62) and also should make a push for an Olympic nod in the 200 and 400 individual medley events.<\/p>\n
Amanda Beard:<\/b>
\nReally, it's difficult to determine if the defending Olympic champ and three-time Olympian can return to the level that once made her the world-record holder. Then again, Beard was not considered a factor in 2000, only to make the team and medal in Sydney. Don't be surprised if Beard makes her fourth Olympics and is a player in Beijing.<\/p>\n
Other Contenders:<\/b>
\nShe's better suited for the 100 breast, but Tara Kirk is another American who can make a push in Omaha for a trip to China. Meanwhile, Canada's Annamay Pierse was sixth in the world last year in 2:25.22 and Germany's Birte Steven was eighth in 2:25.33. Also keep an eye on Austria's Mirna Jukic and South Africa's Suzaan van Biljon. Of course, there's also the possibility that China will unveil a medal hope.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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