Olivia Smoliga: I never doubted myself (Video)

^{Reported by Mitch Bowmile.}

WOMEN’S 100M BACKSTROKE FINALS

Top seed: Olivia Smoliga (59.16)
World record: 58.12 – Gemma Spofforth (Britain)
American record: 58.33 – Missy Franklin
U.S Open record: 58.67 – Missy Franklin
U.S Nationals record: 58.67 – Missy Franklin
JR World record: 59.37 – Minna Atherton (Australia)
2012 Winning Time: 58.85 – Missy Franklin

Olivia Smoliga and Kathleen Baker are going to Rio.

In one of the most anticipated finals of the night, Smoliga and Baker managed to hold on to their positions as the top 100m backstrokers after the semifinals by finishing first and second. Smoliga charged on the last 20 meters and pushed out in front to grab the win in 59.02.

Baker wasn’t far behind her in 59.21. Amy Bilquist touched in third in 59.37 just 0.16 seconds off qualifying for her first Olympic team.

After taking the seventh and eighth seeds in the 100m backstroke after semifinals it was clear that Missy Franklinand Natalie Coughlin were going to have their work cut out for them.

Between the two of them, they make up the last three Olympic gold medals in the 100m backstroke, and neither of them will get the chance to add another one this time around. Franklin turned in eighth, and wasn’t able to make much of a push at the end of the race, ultimately finishing in seventh with a 1:00.24. Coughlin faded to eighth, clocking in a 1:00.48.

1. Olivia Smoliga (59.02)
2. Kathleen Baker (59.29)
3. Amy Bilquist (59.37)
4. Ali DeLoof (59.69)
5. Hannah Stevens (59.97)
6. Clara Smiddy (1:00.12)
7. Missy Franklin (1:00.24)
8. Natalie Coughlin (1:00.48)

For official results click here.