Germany’s Franziska Hentke has been added to the European roster for the 2013 Duel in the Pool.
Hentke is not as well known internationally as she is within Germany, as she is largely a short course specialist. She did, however, have a very good summer, placing 9th at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona in the 50 meter pool with a 2:07.87.
In short course, Hentke’s top accomplishment is a bronze medal in the 200 fly at the 2009 Istanbul World Championships. She also won the 200 fly at this year’s Singapore World Cup stop, ending superstar Katinka Hosszu’s 10-meet World Cup winning streak in that event dating back to last year.
This addition is really significant, given that the Americans really lack depth in the 200 fly where she’s best. Yes, the side-breather Cammile Adams is very good, but with this not being an NCAA Championship-approved qualifying meet, it’s unlikely that she’ll be at full strength for the December 20th-21st event in Glasgow, Scotland.
Kathleen Baker, Sarah Henry, Caitlin Leverenz and Kendyl Stewart could all be admirable fill-ins in over short course meters, but they are unlikely to be able to compete with a specialist like Hentke who will be coming just off of her big taper meet, the 2013 European Short Course Championships, a week prior.
Hentke’s short course bests:
- 50 fly – 26.98
- 100 fly – 57.79
- 200 fly – 2:04.33