Two Former UF Swimmers Progress to Finals
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Men's Swimming & Diving
Six past and present UF swimmers took to the pool at the Oriental Sports Center in the fourth day of swimming competition at the 2011 FINA World Championships, including first-place advances to the finals by Ryan Lochte and Jemma Lowe in the 200-meter individual medley and 200-meter butterfly, respectively.
Lochte touched the wall in an Olympic Qualifying Time of 1:56.74 to finish first in the 200-meter butterfly semifinals and to progress to tomorrow night's final. The reigning World Champion looks to defend his title and keep his world record (1:54.10) printed in the books. Lochte faces a one-two matchup against fellow teammate Michael Phelps as they enter the race as the top two seeds in the 200 IM finals at the 2011 Long Course Championships – combined, Lochte and Phelps have won the past four world titles in the event.
Also competing alongside Lochte in the 200 IM semifinals was sophomore and Poland National Team member Marcin Cieslak, who finished 16th overall in 2:01.65. Swimming the 200 IM in 1:59.77, an Olympic Qualifying Time and new career best during the morning prelims, Cieslak is only the second UF swimmer to clock in under two minutes – he settles in behind Lochte's 1:57.79 set in 2005.
Lowe makes her second career long-course appearance at the World Championships in the 200-meter butterfly after her debut four days prior in the 100-meter butterfly. She enters the field as the fastest swimmer in tomorrow night's final after she touched in at 2:06.30 to beat Olympic Champion Liu Zige in her home pool and clocked an Olympic Qualifying Time.
Florida senior Teresa Crippen, one of four Orange and Blue representatives on the U.S. National Team, made her FINA World Championships debut with an Olympic Qualifying Time of 2:08.63 in the 200-meter butterfly morning prelims. She finished tied for 14th overall after she touched in at 2:09.27 in the semifinals.
Former UF swimmers Gemma Spofforth and Brett Fraser also competed for their respective countries in Shanghai. Spofforth, the 100-meter backstroke world record holder, finished 13th overall in the 50-meter event for Great Britain after clocking 28.75. Swimming for Cayman, Fraser took 17th in the 100-meter freestyle, touching in 48.98.
The 14th FINA World Championships continue Thursday. Morning sessions are scheduled to take place from 9-11:30 a.m. local time in Shanghai (9-11:30 p.m. ET), while finals are slated for 6-8:20 p.m. (6-8:20 a.m. ET). Gator fans can get complete 2011 FINA World's coverage through OMEGA Timing by visiting their website here. For more information about the 14th annual FINA World Championships please click here.
Fans in the United States can follow all the action from the World Championships on NBC and Universal Sports. NBC will broadcast the final two days of the meet on July 30 and 31 from 1-3 p.m. ET. Universal Sports will broadcast the remainder of the competition (July 25-27) from 8-10 p.m. ET each night. A webcast of the World Championships will also be available online at www.universalsports.com.
EVENING SESSION RESULTS
Women's 50-meter backstroke (semifinals)
Gemma Spofforth (Great Britain), 13th, 28.75
Women's 200-meter butterfly (semifinals)
Jemma Lowe (Great Britain), 1st, 2:06.30, Olympic Qualifying Time (advances to finals)
Teresa Crippen (United States), 14th-t, 2:09.27
Men's 200-meter individual medley (semifinals)
Ryan Lochte (United States), 1st, 1:56.74, Olympic Qualifying Time (advances to finals)
Marcin Cieslak (Poland), 16th, 2:01.65
MORNING SESSION RESULTS
Women's 50-meter backstroke
Gemma Spofforth (Great Britain), 15th, 28.79 (advances to semifinals)
Men's 100-meter freestyle
Brett Fraser (Cayman), 17th, 48.98
Women's 200-meter butterfly
Teresa Crippen (United States), 10th, 2:08.63, Olympic Qualifying Time (advances to semifinals)
Jemma Lowe (Great Britain), 11th, 2:08.67, Olympic Qualifying Time (advances to semifinals)
Men's 200-meter individual medley
Ryan Lochte (United States), 4th, 1:59.04, Olympic Qualifying Time (advances to semifinals)
Marcin Cieslak (Poland), 12th, 1:59.77, Olympic Qualifying Time
