By John Lohn<\/p>\n
CRANBURY, New Jersey, March 18. THIS week's installment of our 32-week Olympic Preview is the fastest yet. We're off to the women's 50 freestyle, the one-lap sprint that determines the fastest woman in water. The event features youngsters and veterans, but there doesn't seem to be a downright favorite.<\/p>\n
Historical Perspective<\/b><\/p>\n
Defending Champion:<\/b> Inge de Bruijn (Netherlands) \u2013 24.58
\nWorldRecord Holder:<\/b> Inge de Bruijn (Netherlands) \u2013 24.13
\nMost Titles:<\/b> The Netherlands (Two): Inge de Bruijn (2000\/2004)
\nNotable:<\/b> The women's 50 freestyle has only been contested in Olympic competition since 1988. Inge de Bruijn, the two-time defending champion, is retired so there will be some new blood on the top step of the podium. The only American to win the event was Amy Van Dyken, who earned gold in 1996.<\/p>\n
Here's a look at the top contenders.<\/p>\n
Libby Lenton, Australia:<\/b>
\nThe reigning world champion will tackle a demanding schedule in Beijing, but she figures to contend for the sprint crown. At last year's World Champs, Lenton bested the field in the 50 free with a time of 24.53. That effort allowed Lenton to tie Dara Torres for the No. 4 ranking in the world. A clutch performer, Lenton will undoubtedly make a run at gold.<\/p>\n
Dara Torres, United States:<\/b>
\nLooking for her fifth Olympic berth, Torres is proving that age doesn't have to slow a person down. The American-record holder broke her own national standard in the event at last summer's National Champs, going 24.53, and has made it clear that she'll be a force in China. Already the owner of nine Olympic medals, it wouldn't be surprising to see Torres reach double digits. She's that gifted and has proven that she's as good as she's ever been.<\/p>\n
Therese Alshammar, Sweden:<\/b>
\nThe veteran sprinter had a tremendous year in 2007, posting the second-fastest time in history (24.23) at the Paris Open and grabbing the silver medal at the World Championships. Alshammar has always excelled in 50-meter events, evidenced by her world title in the 50 butterfly. If she's not on the medals stand in Beijing, it will be surprising.<\/p>\n
Kara Lynn Joyce, United States:<\/b>
\nThe University of Georgia product has been one of the world's top sprinters for a while, but she has really risen in status in recent months. The fifth-place finisher at the World Champs in Melbourne, Joyce dropped a personal best at the Missouri Grand Prix last month. There, she went 24.59, an effort that makes her a medal challenger.<\/p>\n
Marleen Veldhuis, The Netherlands:<\/b>
\nThe Dutch star currently holds the top time in the world this year, a performance of 24.47. Her early strength in 2008 follows a quality 2007 campaign in which Veldhuis was the bronze medalist at the World Championships. She finished 2007 as the second-quickest performer in the world, thanks to a mark of 24.30.<\/p>\n
Britta Steffen, Germany:<\/b>
\nThe world-record holder in the 100 freestyle (if, like FINA, you don't recognize Libby Lenton), Steffen ranked fifth in the world last year with a time of 24.66. At the 2007 World Championships, Steffen just missed out on a medal by placing fourth. The German will again have herself in the hardware hunt.<\/p>\n
Inge Dekker, The Netherlands:<\/b>
\nOften overshadowed by her countrywoman, the aforementioned Marleen Veldhuis, Dekker is a first-rate sprinter. She's already been 24.78 this year and the potential exists for a faster effort. If she wants to reach the final, though, she's going to have to knock at least a few tenths off her season best.<\/p>\n
Cate Campbell, Australia:<\/b>
\nOne of the brightest young stars on the globe, Campbell opened some eyes in 2007 by clocking in at 24.48 during the Japan International Swim Meet. The teenager, born in 1992, seems to just now be tapping into her potential. It wouldn't be shocking at all if Campbell works into the medal race.<\/p>\n
Malia Metella, France:<\/b>
\nShe was the silver medalist at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, but earning another medal in Beijing is a longshot. Metella was 10th in the world last year with a best time of 24.99 and she was seventh at the World Championships. Obviously, barely cracking the 25-second barrier isn't going to get it done.<\/p>\n
Alice Mills, Australia:<\/b>
\nWith the Australian Olympic Trials scheduled to start in a handful of days, we'll soon know if Mills will be part of the 50 freestyle equations. She'll have her hands full battling Libby Lenton and Cate Campbell for a berth. Last year, Mills ranked ninth in the world with a best time of 24.97.<\/p>\n
Natalie Coughlin, United States:<\/b>
\nNot sure if the American will make a run at qualifying for this event at the U.S. Trials in Omaha, but she was eighth at the 2007 World Champs. Coughlin had a best time of 25.08 in 2007 and is the American-record holder in the 50-yard free. With her talent, Coughlin can never be counted out.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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