Franklin loses bid for 7 golds

Missy Franklin finally lost.

Franklin had a busy night, but the first race didn't go as she hoped. The 18-year-old American finished fourth in the 100 free behind gold medalist Cate Campbell of Australia, ending a run of four straight victories in Barcelona.

"I'm a little bummed," Franklin said.

She was philosophical about losing her unbeaten record in Barcelona and insisted she will challenge for gold in the 100m freestyle atthe next Olympics.

"I was fifth in London and I was fourth tonight so I'm happy with that although I would have loved a personal best.

"Most importantly I learned a lot. The 100m freestyle is definitely the event I most have most to improve in, so it will be fun to see what I'll be able to do one day in this event."

She quickly shook off the defeat, however, coming back about 25 minutes later to easily post the top qualifying time in the semifinals of the 200 back, her favorite event. She's the Olympic champion and world-record holder - which leaves her still on course to at least match Tracy Caulkins of the US and Libby Trickett of Australia as the only women to win five events at the worlds.

Caulkins won her five at the 1978 meet in Berlin, while Trickett did it in her home championships at Melbourne in 2007.

Franklin will have one more event after the backstroke - Sunday's 400 medley relay - so she's got a shot at joining Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz as the only swimmers to win as many as six golds at either the worlds or Olympics.

Agencies

(China Daily 08/04/2013 page7)