Missy Franklin of the US competes in the women’s 200m freestyle heats during the World Swimming Championships. Photo: Reuters
American teenage swimming sensation Missy Franklin took another step towards matching Michael Phelps’ eight gold medal haul from the Beijing Olympics five years ago at the swimming world championships in Barcelona.
The 18-year-old cruised into Tuesday’s final of the 100 metres backstroke, registering the fastest time in the semi-finals of 59.31 seconds to suggest that she could even threaten Gemma Spofforth’s world record from the world championships four years ago.
Records though are not her principal target.
“I haven’t thought about the world record,” she said. “I’m just going to go out there, swim and have fun. I think when you reduce it down to a number you lose what it’s really all about.”
What does matter to the four-time gold medallist from the London Olympics last year is medals and she was given extra motivation by bumping into Phelps in the Catalan capital.
The most decorated Olympian of all time is not competing in Barcelona after retiring following the London Games, but Franklin insists he still remains an inspiration.
“I saw him yesterday and that was wonderful. We miss him so much, the team isn’t the same without him, but we still have an incredible team and I think we are all excited to carry on his legacy.” – AFP
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