MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, November 9. THE 2012-13 USA Swimming Grand Prix series has kicked off with action in Minneapolis, Minn. Olympic hero Missy Franklin dominated the night to start off with in the 200 free, before giving way to an impressive double by swimming superstar Ryan Lochte. Youngster Becca Mann, who demonstrated remarkable potential with several finals at the 2012 U.S. Trials, turned in a blazing 400 IM.<\/p>\n
Women's 200 free<\/b> Meanwhile, Knutson clocked a 1:46.70 in her return meet to take second for ASK Swim Club, while Mission Viejo's Chloe Sutton turned in a third-place time of 1:47.20. <\/p>\n @csutswim<\/a> @dagnyknutson08<\/a> You guys did amazing! So fun to be in a final with both of you! Can't wait for the rest of the meet!<\/p>\n ? Missy Franklin (@FranklinMissy) November 10, 2012<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nColorado Stars Missy Franklin, fresh off an amazing outing at the 2012 London Games, threw down a lifetime best effort of 1:42.28 to claim the event title. That swim downed Dagny Knutson's 17-18 U.S. National Age Group record of 1:42.61 set back in 2009, and moved Franklin up to fifth all time in the event. Her previous best had been her high school record time of 1:43.15 in front of a nationally-televised audience on ESPN3.com in February<\/a>. Franklin just missed joining Megan Romano (1:41.21), Dana Vollmer (1:41.53), Natalie Coughlin (1:41.66) and Allison Schmitt (1:41.90) in the 1:41 club. <\/p>\n\n