U.S. Nationals Day Three: Torres Wins Gold in 50-Meter Free, Qualifies for Worlds
Thursday, July 9, 2009 | Women's Swimming & Diving
Former Gator standout and 50-meter freestyle American Record-holder (24.07) Dara Torres took to the water on day three of the 2009 ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships/World Trials in the 50 free earning gold and solidifying her spot on Team U.S.A. for the World Championships. A member of a record five U.S. Olympic swim teams, Torres jumped out of the gates in the championship heat of the event clocking a 24.43 for the win.
Torres was one of four Lady Gator swimmers set represent the UF in finals on the third day of U.S. Nationals, aiming to finish high enough for a berth on team U.S.A. which will represent the United States at the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome July 26- Aug. 2. A detailed description of the U.S. World Championship Team selection procedures can be found here.
While Torres punched her ticket to Rome as the 50 free gold medalist, UF's Stephanie Napier (Chattanooga, Tenn.) returned in the C final of the 50-meter free, clocking a 25.71 to finish 20th overall. Napier's mark was just shy of her UF record, 25.34, set at the 2008 U.S. Open.
Two other Gators, sophomores Teresa Crippen (Conshohocken, Pa.) and Kirsten Smith (Cary, N.C.) swam the 400-meter individual medley, Crippen turning in a 4:47.85 (10th) in prelims, and Smith clocking in at 4:49.52 (15th). Both Crippen and Smith swam Florida top 10 all-time marks in the race.
In men's day three prelims action, Florida's Jeff Raymond (Davie, Fla.) competed in heats of the 100-meter butterfly, turning in a 55.61, good for 35th overall in the event.
U.S. Nationals/World Trials Day Three Finals Results
FLORIDA WOMEN
Stephanie Napier 50-meter freestyle, 25.71, 20th overall
Kirsten Smith 400-meter IM, 4:49.52, 15th overall
Dara Torres 50-meter freestyle, 24.43, 1st (Gold Medalist)
U.S. Nationals/World Trials Day Three Preliminaries Results
FLORIDA WOMEN
Angeline Ballatore 400-meter IM, 4:55.33, 39th
Kristen Beales 400-meter IM, 4:59.55, 58th
Teresa Crippen 400-meter IM, 4:47.85, 10th (advances to A final)
Liz Kemp 50-meter freestyle, 26.52, 48th (ties career best)
Stephanie Napier 50-meter freestyle, 26.03, 24th (advances to C final)
Lily Ramirez 50-meter freestyle, 26.97, 60th
Lindsay Rogers 200-meter breaststroke, 1:11.88, 28th
Corinne Showalter 400-meter IM, 4:54.32, 33rd
Kirsten Smith 400-meter IM, 4:50.35, 17th (advances to B final)
Dara Torres 50-meter freestyle, 24.72, 1st (advances to A final)
FLORIDA MEN
Jeff Raymond 100-meter butterfly, 55.61, 35th
Gator fans can follow the remaining sessions of the 2009 World Trials online here or visit www.UniversalSports.com/swimming for highlights, full-length videos and photos. UniversalSports.com and swimnetwork.com will provide a live webcast each evening of the Swimming National Championships finals, from July 7 – 11, at 6 p.m. ET. Two-time Gold Medalist Mel Stewart will be hosting a 30 minute preview show at 5:30 p.m. ET before each day of competition only on-line.
-UF-
