Cesar Cielo captures Men’s 100m freestyle gold: Day three – 2012 Missouri Grand Prix
Olympic and World champion, Cielo Filho of Brazil upset his competitors on the concluding day of the 2012 Missouri Grand Prix by capturing the title of Men’s 100m freestyle. The meet was organised at the University of Missouri Aquatic Center in Columbia on Sunday, February 12.
The Missouri Grand Prix is the third leg of seven-stage 2011-2012 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series, which is held every year. The USA Grand Prix is of substantial importance as it precedes the 2012 London Olympics, hence providing a chance to world-class players to race each other in their respective events.
The Olympic champion and world record holder, Cielo faced tough competition from Richard Hortness of Swim ON in the first lap, but with his tremendous performance in the second half of the race, he secured his top position.
The 26-year-old Hortness took charge of the race and made his way to the first turn by submitting a time of 23.75 seconds. With his nerve-wrecking performance, Hortness remained 0.23 seconds ahead of Cielo, who completed his initial lap of the race by producing an effort of 23.98 seconds.
The four-time world champion, Cielo accelerated his swim in the second half. With his stupendous efforts in the final lap, he crushed all struggles of Hortness and proved his mettle for gold medal by producing a time of 49.51 seconds.
The gold medallist remained nearly two seconds slower than the American mark of 47.33 seconds, set by David Walters of USA during 2009. He was also 1.93 seconds behind the US Open mark of 47.58 seconds, made by Jason Lezak in 2008.
With his blistering performance, Cielo was chased by Hortness, who clocked 49.97 seconds for silver medal of the event. The third position of the event was obtained by Matt Grevers, who remained 0.15 seconds away from his former finisher and clocked an effort of 50.12 seconds.
Cielo was overjoyed with his undisputed effort in the double lap freestyle event. He also expressed his desire of defending his title at the London Olympics.
In addition, the championship concluded after the completion of all listed events whereas the winners were awarded medals after the session.
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