Race video is courtesy of Universal Sports Network, a SwimSwam partner.
WOMEN’S 200 Freestyle – Reported by SwimSwam – 2014 Arena Grand Prix
While the rest of the field was all smiles during the traditional ceremonial walkout, Katinka Hosszu looked all business and that’s exactly how she swam the race. She led the whole way through even though Allison Schmitt had a killer underwater on the last turn that almost cut her lead. Hozzsu was breathing to Schmitt’s side on the last lap, keeping her eye on her through the finish. When asked about being pushed by Schmitt, a happy Hosszu said “I wasn’t thinking about much except finishing, the last 50 really hurt”. With ten meters to go, Hosszu put her head down and touched Schmitt out with a time of 1:56.30. Schmitt bettered her time from Mesa, finishing second with a 1:56.41. The standout freshmen from UVA, Leah Smith, dipped under the two minute barrier, swimming an impressive 1:59.64. The teenage star from SwimMAC, Kathleen Baker touched fourth with a 2:00.17 while Cierra Runge was right behind her with a 2:00.24. Becca Mann, who still has the 400 IM to swim later tonight, finised sixth with a 2:00.62. Gillian Ryan and Melanie Margalis rounded out the final with times of 2:00.80 and 2:01.34, respectively.