Missy Franklin in training at the Sant Jordi arena in Barcelona. Photo: Michael Dalder / Reuters
This group of young swimmers are young, cool, talented and incredibly fast. Their aim is to collect plenty of medals at the FINA World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona.
Led by American Missy Franklin, numerous teenagers are amongst the favourites in the women’s races in the 50m Palau Sant Jordi, where the swimming competition will be held.
At 18 years of age, Franklin already has bundles of experience, having opened her medal count in Shanghai two years ago, where she won three gold, a silver and a bronze.
She went one better at the Olympics in London a year later, picking up four gold and a bronze.
With so much swimming, it is hardly surprising that Franklin and the others are not like other teenagers. “I’m definitely a little bit different than your average 18-year-old girl,” she told journalists in Barcelona.
In Barcelona she will attempt something that has never been done before at the world championships: Winning eight gold medals.
“It’s definitely a lot,” she said at a press conference. “But I’m very, very excited. There are some of my favourite races. I’m really looking forward to those. The expectations are just to have fun.” – Sapa
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