On the last day, in her last event, on her last chance to make the 2016 Rio Olympic Games team, Hilary Caldwell put up her fourth best time ever in the 200m backstroke in order to smoke the Olympic qualifying time and make the Canadian Olympic team.
Caldwell went out under Canadian record pace, turning at the 100-metre mark in a 1:01.71. Through the 150 Caldwell was still under her Canadian record pace that brought her to a 2:06.80 at the 2013 World Championships where she won bronze.
The last 50 proved to be the breaking point and Caldwell faded a bit, but still managed a swift 2:07.96 to post the fifth fastest time in the world this season.
2015-2016 LCM Women 50 Free
CAMPBELL
23.84
| 2 | Pernille BLOOM | DEN | 24.07 | 08/13 |
| 2 | Ranomi KROMOWIDJOJO | NED | 24.07 | 05/22 |
| 4 | Simone MANUEL | USA | 24.09 | 08/13 |
| 5 | Aliaksandra HERASIMENIA | BLR | 24.11 | 08/13 |
The time for Caldwell is the fastest she’s ever been outside of the 2013 World Championships. At those Championships in Barcelona, Caldwell recorded the 2:06.80 which is the Canadian record, a 2:07.15, and a 2:07.81.
The time betters the 2:08.22 that she swam at this pool at the 2015 Pan American Games to win the gold medal – the first international gold of her career.
Caldwell looks to be in great shape as she begins her preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where she’s a hopeful to get on the podium in this event for Canada.