{"id":441496,"date":"2020-07-28T11:22:07","date_gmt":"2020-07-28T18:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=441496"},"modified":"2020-07-30T12:36:50","modified_gmt":"2020-07-30T19:36:50","slug":"tokyo-vision-will-ryan-murphy-continue-americas-dominance-in-mens-100-backstroke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/tokyo-vision-will-ryan-murphy-continue-americas-dominance-in-mens-100-backstroke\/","title":{"rendered":"Tokyo Vision: Will Ryan Murphy Continue America\u2019s Dominance in Men\u2019s 100 Backstroke"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tokyo Vision: Ryan Murphy Looks to Continue His, America\u2019s Dominance in Men\u2019s 100 Backstroke<\/strong><\/p>\n

Had the COVID-19 pandemic not shaken the world, the 2020 Olympic Games<\/a> in Tokyo would be unfolding right now, titles and podium finishes earned by the finest athletes from around the world. Instead, we are in a competition lull and hopeful that the Games will be held next summer, with COVID-19 neutralized.<\/em><\/p>\n

As we reach the nine days over which the swimming competition of a delayed Olympiad would have taken place, Swimming World is taking a glimpse at what might have unfolded this summer, had the Olympics not been postponed. Following the official schedule, we offer our virtual fields of eight finalists for each event and take a brief look at how the racing might have panned out until a few strokes away from decision and a result that will not be known until July\/August 2021.<\/em><\/p>\n

League Of Olympic Swim Legends: Roland Matthes Tops The 100m Backstroke Podium With Peirsol & Kealoha<\/a><\/p>\n

Event<\/strong>: Men\u2019s 100 Backstroke<\/p>\n

World Record:<\/strong> Ryan Murphy (2016) \u2013 51.85<\/p>\n

Historical Note #1:<\/strong> One of the older Olympic events, the 100 backstroke has been dominated by Americans. The U.S. has won the last six titles and 15 of the 24 total. Both American swimmers have medaled in the last three Games \u2013 gold and bronze in 2016; 1-2 finishes in 2012 and 2008. Out of 18 possible medals since the 1984 Games, the Americans have earned 14. Only one of those 18 Americans has finished worse than sixth.<\/p>\n

Historical Note #2:<\/strong> Ryan Murphy<\/strong> is chasing inclusion in a historic group of repeat winners in the 100 back: American Warren Kealoha<\/strong> won in 1920 and 1924; Australia\u2019s David Theile<\/strong> claimed the titles in 1956 and 1960, followed by East Germany\u2019s Roland Matthes<\/strong> in 1968 and 1972; Aaron Peirsol<\/strong> claimed titles in 2004 and 2008.<\/p>\n

Virtual Vision<\/h3>\n

The Finalists (Listed Alphabetically)<\/strong><\/p>\n