Natalie Coughlin finished 3rd in the 100 backstroke last night, ending her quest for 3 consecutive golds in that event. Having held the world record in the event for 8+ years, she has failed to break 1:00 in all her recent swims. Her only chance to make the team is now the 100 free. She might do so, since they take 6 (for relays), but I doubt she can make the top 2, so won't have an individual swim in London.

Needless to say, she was totally gracious and classy with Missy Franklin, who won.

UrsaMajor;841904627 said:

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Natalie Coughlin finished 3rd in the 100 backstroke last night, ending her quest for 3 consecutive golds in that event. Having held the world record in the event for 8+ years, she has failed to break 1:00 in all her recent swims. Her only chance to make the team is now the 100 free. She might do so, since they take 6 (for relays), but I doubt she can make the top 2, so won't have an individual swim in London.

Needless to say, she was totally gracious and classy with Missy Franklin, who won.

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Disappointing indeed. So hard to train and come up a little short. Hope she makes it in the 100 free. But what a role model for our up and coming young women.

UrsaMajor;841904627 said:

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Natalie Coughlin finished 3rd in the 100 backstroke last night, ending her quest for 3 consecutive golds in that event. Having held the world record in the event for 8+ years, she has failed to break 1:00 in all her recent swims. Her only chance to make the team is now the 100 free. She might do so, since they take 6 (for relays), but I doubt she can make the top 2, so won't have an individual swim in London.

Needless to say, she was totally gracious and classy with Missy Franklin, who won.

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Also with Rachel Bootsma, an incoming Cal student from Minnesota, who took 2nd place and knocked Coughlin out.

If anyone is going to knock out Natalie, I'm glad it's a Bear.

What makes her great is that she has so many interests plus she's got the greatest legs. Now if she just drove a Porsche instead of a BMW.

right-maybe the thread should have been not "end of an era" but "passing of the torch!"

All I have to say is "how about some pictures"!

CALiforniALUM;841904788 said:

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pictures

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"i like the way you think ... "












:tedford:cheer

I have read a variety of opinions, for what they are worth!!!, that Missy Franklin is a strong? bet to commit to Cal.

With Coach McKeever in charge of w swimming in London, couldn't be a better influence!!

UrsaMajor;841904627 said:

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Natalie Coughlin finished 3rd in the 100 backstroke last night, ending her quest for 3 consecutive golds in that event. Having held the world record in the event for 8+ years, she has failed to break 1:00 in all her recent swims. Her only chance to make the team is now the 100 free. She might do so, since they take 6 (for relays), but I doubt she can make the top 2, so won't have an individual swim in London.

Needless to say, she was totally gracious and classy with Missy Franklin, who won.

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I think Natalie will at least make the team in the 100 free relay if not the 100 free individual.

The problem is Franklin's father--who wants her to skip college and go pro so they can make $$$ sooner.

UrsaMajor;841904809 said:

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The problem is Franklin's father--who wants her to skip college and go pro so they can make $$$ sooner.

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Good old dad. Living his dreams through his kids and having his own best interests at heart.

UrsaMajor;841904809 said:

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The problem is Franklin's father--who wants her to skip college and go pro so they can make $$$ sooner.

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Big bux in professional swimming? I did not know that.

Natalie had a contract with Speedo for 7 figures a year.

CalBear68;841904855 said:

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Big bux in professional swimming? I did not know that.

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She also does this: http://www.californiadriedplums.org/

that's too bad. in her prime she was the most dominant female swimmer. She's classy, intelligent, and super good looking!

Rumors of her demise seem to have been greatly exaggerated:

http://www.calbears.com/sports/w-swim/spec-rel/063012aab.html

oskigobears;841904795 said:

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I have read a variety of opinions, for what they are worth!!!, that Missy Franklin is a strong? bet to commit to Cal.

With Coach McKeever in charge of w swimming in London, couldn't be a better influence!!

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She says that she won't attempt to influence Missy Franklin's possible college decision while she's a coach on the US team, even though rules wouldn't prohibit it. And she can acknowledge that she's recruiting someone, but can't really say much beyond that.

http://blogs.denverpost.com/sports/2012/06/25/cal-coach-olympic-coach-teri-mckeever-recruit-franklin-team/21736/