Julia Wilkinson wins Women’s 200m IM gold: Day three – 2012 Missouri Grand Prix
Julia Wilkinson of Canada exceeded expectations of her mentor by finishing first in the Women’s 200m Individual medley (IM) on third day of the 2012 Missouri Grand Prix at the University of Missouri Aquatic Center on Sunday, February 12.
Missouri is the third stop of 2011-2012 USA Grand Prix Series that gives an opportunity to international players to compete with each other in consecutive meets.
The 24-year-old Wilkinson shattered hopes of her competitors in the first lap, where she submitted a time of 29.34 seconds. She was trailed by her team-member, Erica Morningstar, who was just 0.20 seconds behind and proved her mettle for second position by clocking a time of 29.54 seconds.
The second lap saw relentless efforts of Wilkinson, who demonstrated her extraordinary skills and completed her first round of the race with the timing of 1 minute and 01.99 seconds. With her stupendous efforts, she extended her lead to almost two seconds from the 22-year-old Morningstar, who posted 1 minute and 03.93 seconds to complete her first round.
Morningstar elevated her efforts in the third lap but failed to consolidate her position. Wilkinson stayed visible for the top fastest spot and touched the wall with an effort of 1 minute and 41.70 seconds. She remained 0.73 seconds ahead of her teammate, who posted a time of 1 minute and 42.43 seconds.
Once again, the 22-year-old Morningstar geared up her swim in an attempt to overwhelm her leading swimmer but did not succeed. Wilkinson’s ruthless efforts in the initial laps of the swim played a vital role in placing her on top of the podium for gold medal as she reported a time of 2 minutes and 13.10 seconds.
She remained 0.46 seconds ahead of Morningstar, who stepped on the victory stand for silver medal with an effort of 2 minutes and 13.56 seconds. the third spot of the race was secured by Joanna Maranhao of Brazil, who was 0.49 seconds apart and ended her race in 2 minutes and 14.05 seconds.
In addition, the podium finishers were awarded accolades for their tempting efforts in the 200m discipline after the conclusion of session.
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