Missy Franklin, Regis Jesuit High School’s swimming sensation, set a short-course world record in the 200-meter backstroke Saturday, clocking 2 minutes, 0.03 seconds at a World Cup short-course meet in Berlin.
The 16-year-old shaved 0.15 seconds off the old mark set at the same meet by Shiho Sakai of Japan in 2009.
Franklin emerged as one of swimming’s new stars by winning three titles at the world championships in Shanghai this past summer, but this is her first world record.
“It’s such a great pool, such a great time,” Franklin said. “It’s just incredible.”
As seen by the comparative splits, Franklin made up for an initial 50-meter deficit of 0.73 seconds behind the world-record pace. She cut half a second from the pace at the 100-meter mark, then pushed to within 0.12 seconds at the 150. Her final kick moved her by the record and nearly into the unheard-of 1:59 territory.
“Thank you so much for all the congratulations everyone,” Franklin later posted on her Facebook account. “I still can’t even think straight and feel like I am in a dream. Did that really just happen? Don’t think I’ll be getting any sleep tonight.” Denver Post wire services
