Earlier this week, last night in particular, Missy Franklin seemed to be, in her own words, “sluggish”. Last night, Franklin did not make the Olympic team in the 100 back, an event she won gold in at 2012 London Olympics.
With her so-called sluggish swims, the crowd and fans seemed to be reflect the same. Many critiqued her swims and even made statements that she would not make the team.
Tonight, she did. She placed second in the women’s 200 freestyle, and also making it on the 800 free relay.
Last night, after not making the Olympic team in the 100 back, her fellow backstroke swimmers from the heat swam towards her lane. Instead of half getting out of the pool one side, and half the other, they all swam to lane 1 where Franklin had swum her event. Each backstroker hugged her; something that sent chills down my spine and made me proud of this sport.
And tonight, after having an emotional few days, she made the Olympic team and the crowd erupted. While there has been so many back and forth comments on her, her performances, her training and her olympic chance, the “fans” were fans once again.
Nobody was sure what was going to happen in the 200 freestyle final, with having such an impressive and fast heat. With the favorite being Ledecky, the second place spot was for grabs. Franklin ended up holding her own and coming back to get her hand on the wall first (well… second).
Once Franklin touched the wall second behind Katie Ledecky, fans were roaring, celebrating with Franklin once again. It was the loudest the Omaha crowd has been yet this meet. The support for her was felt when almost every person was standing and cheering, for her.
It was a good reminder that we are all human, and swimming is a hard sport. It is even more impressive to watch an American favorite still punch her ticket to Rio after having what she calls a “sluggish” few days.
Yea missy
I din’t like the title because like someone earlier in the comments said, no one was mad at her so she didn’t need to be forgiven. Like yes her 100m back was devastating to her fans but we all knew, based on 2014 pan pacs and 2015 world champs, that she’s been struglging a lot in it and had a lot to do to regain the title. But also…..People forget that she’s a WORLD CHAMPION GOLD MEDALIST in the 200m free in 2013 and she came 3rd this year at Kazan so no one doubted her….we were just happy and reacted proudly.
So the title made you click, read the article and wrote this comment.
Job well-accomplished by the writer!
Due to double events qualifiers (Ledecky, Smith, Dirado so far) all women who have swum and would expect to make the team (at full historical complement) are now assured except for Melanie Margalis (2nd 200 IM, 6th 200 free)and Cierra Runge (5th 200 free).
Of the men, due to a lack of any doubles so far, only David Plummer of the 2nd place finishers (or relay #s 5, 6) is now assured of making the final team.
Current status relative to events completed and relative world standings:
2nd Place finishers – place after name indicates World ranking after finals (based on 3/1/2015-current date – criteria used for team selection priority)
Women (doubles todate – Ledecky (1 spot), Smith… Read more »
Lol wut
You’re missing Missy in the 200 free for second. Nice work though!
The crowd was behind her at the 100 back even knowing she really don’t have much chance of winning first or second. I was there watching in live. Only saw comment on Swimswam after back to hotel and the comments were so much harsher! Don’t know what was said on NBC either, so don’t know how it may affect the online responds.
In any case, another sensational titled article. Missy has not done anything that need the crowd to “forgive” her. Champions are human too. That is why we “root” for them.
Well put!
I was so excited for Missy but even more excited that Allison Schmitt qualified for the relay. So far, she is the person I was most thrilled for.
Anyone who has had a swimming career of any significance knows that there are ups and downs, good and bad meets, seasons, and even years. Missy will be back on top, she’s a fighter and a champion. This is what resilience looks like, a great example to any athlete who has struggled.
I was screaming at the computer screen WILLING Missy to hold on. OMG. I needed it more than she did. LOL LOL LOL So very very happy for you. Now I am excited for the 200 back. But regardless of the result from that race, you are back on the Olympic team where you belong.
She should be the big favourite in the 200Back. 2:09 at Texas Invite
Yes, a very good sign for her 200 back. Can’t wait to see her 100 free too.
Love you Missy!! Forever and always <3