Franklin 1st US female to get in 7 Olympics races

By Paul Newberry

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, July 1 2012 6:29 p.m. MDT

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Missy Franklin smiles with Elizabeth Beisel, right, after swimming in the women's 200-meter backstroke final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials on Saturday, June 30, 2012, in Omaha, Neb.

Mark Humphrey, Associated Press

Summary

Missy Franklin will become the first American female to swim seven events at the Olympics.

OMAHA, Neb. — Missy Franklin will become the first American female to swim seven events at the Olympics.

The 17-year-old Franklin locked up her fourth individual event with a dominating win in the 200-meter backstroke Sunday night at the U.S. Olympic trials. She touched in 2 minutes, 06.12 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year and nearly 1 1/2 seconds ahead of runner-up Elizabeth Beisel, who secured the second spot in London at 2:07.58.

Franklin had already earned spots in the 100 and 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. She's also assured of swimming on all three relays.

The 200 back is Franklin's best event. She's the defending world champion and heads to London as the overwhelming favorite in that race.

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