After catching Natalie Coughlin, is Missy Franklin U.S. Swimming’s Newest Star?

Added by Gregg Snyder on June 28, 2012.

Is Missy Franklin the newest star for U.S. Swimming?

Anyone that follows USA Swimming will know the names Jenny Thompson, Summer Sanders, Dana Torres, Natalie Coughlin, and so many more stars in the pool. Have you heard of Missy Franklin?

If not, get used to the name. The 17-year old may just be the next star for the United States’ Women’s Swim Team. We’ve heard the rumors and the hype, but last night, Franklin may have finally and officially put her name out there for all to see.

Franklin, nicknamed “missile”, set a US record, winning the final of the 100-meter backstroke to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

This had been Natalie Coughlin’s event for years. Coughlin consistently dominated this event and early on it appeared as though she would once again. Coughlin got out to a quick, fast start and led for most of the race. In fact, at the turn, Coughlin was ahead of world-record pace. Down the stretch, things began to change.

Coughlin was unable to hang out. The youngsters would catch her.  Franklin put together an impressive run after the turn to finish in a time of 58.85. 18-year old Rachel Bootsma would be second at 59.49, holding off Coughlin at 1:00.06. This means, Natalie Coughlin has not qualified for this event in London.

An impressive performance indeed by Franklin. However, how much more impressed would you be if I told you she did it just a mere 20 miuntes after competing in the semi-final heat of the 200-meter freestyle? Yep. 

Come London, remember the name Missy Franklin.