U.S. swim trials: 2012 star Franklin fails to qualify for another event
Star of London Olympics is struggling in the pool this year
For Missy Franklin, another miss at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials.
The star of the London Games struggled to an 11th-place showing in the semifinals of the 100-metre freestyle Thursday night, failing to even make it to the final.
That leaves Franklin with only one individual race in Rio and only one more event to bulk up her program, the 200 backstroke.
"That speed just doesn't feel like it's quite there this meet," she said. "No idea why. It's super disappointing, but I really feel like my endurance is there, so it gives me a lot of hope for my 200 back."
As a high schooler in London, Franklin took part in seven events, winning four golds and a bronze. She finished fifth in the 100 free but won't be part of that race at all this time around.
At age 21, Franklin hasn't been able to recapture the magic that carried her to such heights in 2012. Outside of a gutsy runner-up finish in the 200 freestyle, she's shaping up as one of the biggest flops of these trials.
Franklin finished seventh in the 100 backstroke, a race she won in London, and that knocks her out of consideration for the 4x100 medley relay.
Her dismal showing in the 100 free surely removes any possibility of taking part in the 4x100 free relay.
At most, Franklin will have only three events on her Rio agenda.
Phelps, Lochte set up for 200M IM showdown
Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte have set up their only showdown of the U.S. Olympic swimming trials.
The longtime rivals cruised through the semifinals of the 200-metre individual medley Thursday night, each winning their heats in dominating fashion.
Lochte was the top qualifier at one minute, 56.71 seconds, while Phelps took the second spot in 1:57.61. That means they'll be right beside each other for Friday night's final, just as they've been so many times during their dazzling careers.
Phelps has already qualified for the Olympics in the 200 butterfly, giving him a chance to add to his record haul of 18 golds and 22 medals overall.
Lochte, an 11-time medallist , has yet to claim an individual event while battling a groin injury. Still in a lot of pain, he has adjusted his breaststroke just a bit and seems much more comfortable than he did in previous events.