Women’s 50 butterfly – 2013 World Championship Trials – as reported by swimswam editor-in-chief Braden Keith:
In the morning session, USC’s Kendyl Stewart was able to overcome her relatively-slow start for the top seed. In finals, though, she had no such luck, as former Olympic siler medalist Christine Magnuson roared to a 26.08 and the 6th-best time in the world this year. Magnuson’s history is as a 100 butterflier, though over the last two years she’s put a lot of focus on her 50 free.
That makes this 50 fly the perfect storm for her skills, as she becomes the first winner of these new-look 50 meter stroke races. She’s still not guaranteed a spot in Barcelona, but with a lot of doubles on the women’s side of the pool so far, she’s in a very, very good position.
Stewart went another best time in 26.19 for second. Her future is bright, and even brighter for as long as the 50 meter stroke races stay on the qualifying schedule.
Western Kentucky’s Claire Donahue placed 3rd in 26.23.
The top 5 all improved from their prelim times, including Felicia Lee in 26.54 and Auburn’s Olivia Scott in 26.65. That top 5 should all feel very good with their swims as they head toward the rest of the meet and the longer 100 fly