Bethany Galat: “I definitely had a fire burning in my heart” (Video)

^{Reported by James Sutherland.} 

WOMEN’S 200 BREAST FINALS

• American Record: 2:19.59, Rebecca Soni, 2012
• U.S. Open Record: 2:20.38, Rebecca Soni, 2009
• LC National Meet Record: 2:20.38, Rebecca Soni, 2009
• FINA ‘A’ Standard: 2:25.91

1. Lilly King, IU, 2:21.83
2. Bethany Galat, TAMU, 2:22.24
3. Miranda Tucker, CW, 2:25.82

After missing the Olympic final last summer, Lilly King came through with a big swim in the 200 breast, clocking a big best time in 2:21.83 to win and punch her ticket to Budapest.

Bethany Galat, who had a few near misses at the Olympic Trials, had a tantalizing back half to claim the other World Championship spot in 2:22.24, also a best time. This was the U.S.’ weakest event in Rio, and this is a great sign of improvement after last year’s Olympic Trials was won in just 2:24.08. King and Galat become the 14th and 18th fastest performers in history.

Katie Meili was out fast, just behind King at the 100, but faded badly to 7th. Club Wolverine’s Miranda Tucker moved up three spots on the final 50 to claim 3rd in 2:25.82, just ahead of Kayla Brumbaum (2:25.85) and Vanessa Pearl (2:25.97). Pearl becomes the 3rd fastest ever in the 17-18 age category.

Zoe Bartel (2:27.26) and Ashley McCauley (2:31.00) won the B and C-final respectively.