Camille Muffat pockets Women's 400m freestyle gold: Day one – USA Swimming Winter Nationals
Camille Muffat of France overwhelmed the efforts of her competitors by winning gold medal of Women's 400m freestyle on day one of the 2011 USA Swimming Winter Nationals in Atlanta, on Thursday, December 1.
The 22-year-old Muffat qualified as the fastest swimmer into the final rounds. She improved her timing by almost seven seconds to pocket the title of the event. She hit the finishing wall with a wonderful timing of 4 minutes and 03.64 seconds.
With her gold winning effort, she remained just 1.32 seconds behind the national mark of 4 minutes and 02.32 seconds, owned by Katie Hoff of North Baltimore in 2008.
She was nearly 4.50 seconds slower from improving the world mark of 3 minutes and 59.15 seconds, held by Federica Pellegrini of Italy in 2009.
The gold medallist remained prominently away from her competitors throughout the event. Her unmatchable strokes coupled with her gruelling strategy played a significant role in placing her on top of the podium.
With her immaculate efforts, she remained nearly six seconds ahead of her strongest rival, Leah Smith of Jewish Community. The 16-year-old Smith followed Muffat on the medal rostrum for silver medal by completing her swim in a second fastest time of 4 minutes and 09.55 seconds.
Similarly, the silver medallist remained in a lead of 0.78 seconds over her following swimmer, Brittany MacLean of ESWIM, who reported a time of 4 minutes and 10.33 seconds for bronze medal.
The 17-year-old MacLean was chased by Al Komarnycky of Ireland Swimming, who ended her swim in a fourth fastest time of 4 minutes and 10.89 seconds.
The 22-year-old Komarnycky was followed by Nina Rangelova of Southern Methodist, who remained 1.32 seconds behind and posted a time of 4 minutes and 12.21 seconds.
She was chased by Sam Cheverton of Pointe-Claire Swim, who produced a timing of 4 minutes and 12.29 seconds for sixth position. The seventh spot of the race was earned by Chelsea Chenault of Terrapins Swim Team, who posted a time of 4 minutes and 13.08 seconds.
In addition, Muffat was overjoyed with her incredible effort in the 400m discipline and she expressed her hope of continuing the same in the upcoming events.
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