Everyone has some rough meets. Sometimes, though, there is no greater shock in the swim world than when we don’t see Olympians perform as we had expected them to. Olympic team member and medalist Allison Schmitt was set on a high pedestal coming into these 2013 US World Championship Trials and US National Championships, coming in with the top seed in the 200 and 400 freestyle (at least 3-seconds ahead of her competition), as well as a 4th seed in the 100 freestyle.
It was leaked to SwimSwam, through a source “close to the NBAC program,” that Schmitt will be dropping the 400 freestyle, and is now out of the meet. Schmitt’s coach, Bob Bowman, has confirmed this information, meaning we will not be seeing Schmitt’s gold-medal-smile for the rest of the meet.
Things didn’t quite play out the way any of us expected them to. On day 1 of prelims, she dropped from her 4th seed in the 100 free to 10th going into the final, with a time almost a full second slower than h her seed time.
Everyone has their rough swims, though, and on day 2 she had the opportunity to show her true colors in the 200 freestyle, and to defend her top seed spot.
Unfortunately, much like the 100 free, the 200 proved to be somewhat unforgivable (and definitely unpredictable). Schmitt dropped from her top seed (1:53.61), to 9th place out of prelims, gaining roughly 5-seconds (1:58.62). Just a year ago in London, Schmitt brought home a gold medal in this event. Still, she swam those B finals out, and deserves credit for that.
Even through rough swims, Schmitt’s positive attitude rings true. She made her mark in London, where she stepped up as a leader and motivator, cheering anyone up with with her smiles and jokes. With her drive and determination, we know that she’ll shake it off, work up from this, and that this will not be the last that we see of Allison Schmitt.
Still in awe over 2012 gold. Hard to be on every year. Still think she will break world record a couple times in next few years. Keep her in prayer to make a great return.
So disappointed with Schmitt’s performance. Comparing to Missy Franklin who is younger than she by a fews years, the former is more mature and mentally prepared to be USA’s superstar in the next generation.
Notalochtefan – This was her last year at Georgia I believe. She moved back to Baltinore a couple of weeks ago and will be back with Bowman full time.
Good call Smitty. You just don’t have it this year. Finish up at Georgia and then go back to Bowman full time in 2015/2016 and you’ll be fine.
Allison will bounce back and keep inspiring young swimmers with her awesome positive attitude and great swims in future meets. And all the comments about “post London” are poorly informed.
This is a very god decision.
I cannot imagine how horrendous she would be in 400 free, after seeing her in the last 50 of the 200.
One of the greatest and most dominant races of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3YgUGhMTB4
Very similar to Men’s 200m in London. Schmitt and Agnel must have consulted each other how the winning is done. To be honest, Schmitt’s dominance was even more overwhelming; it began right after the first turn. Agnel didn’t really pull ahead until the last 50m.
Agnel did it against a more credible field.
The women’s 200 free was a very strong field too – Missy, Muffat, Pellegrini, Barratt – none of these women are slouches.
Thanks for posting this video. Every swimmer has a bad meet. Those who know Allison are not worried… she’ll be back. She’s a great girl and has a bright future ahead of her still.
I believe she will be even more impressive the next time around.
Thanks for posting this. What a great race!
Maybe Allison Schmitt should participate in the European part of the World Cup with American team after the Worlds. If she has trained in shorter pools during the ongoing season, she would probably get some nice victories and good times at the World Cup which might help her to rebuild self-confidence sooner than later.