Melissa Franklin pockets Women's 200m back-stroke title: Day three – USA Swimming Grand Prix
World back-stroke champion, Melissa Franklin of Colorado Stars defended her title by pocketing gold medal of Women's 200m back-stroke on the concluding day of the 2011 USA Swimming Grand Prix. The event was organised at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center in Minneapolis and the session ended on Sunday, November 13.
The 16-year-old Franklin proved her dominance by outperforming her competitors in the four-lap back-stroke final. Franklin, who reached the final round as top contender for gold medal, proved her mettle for first position with a timing of 2 minutes and 08.03 seconds.
During her international career, she has won three gold medals, three silver medals and a bronze medal. She claimed the title of 200m back-stroke, 4*200m freestyle relay and 4*100m Medley relay at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai.
She also earned a silver medal in the 4*100m freestyle relay and a bronze finish in 50m back-stroke at the same world titles.
Previously, she captured two silver medals in the events of 200m back-stroke and 4*100m medley relay at the 2010 Dubai World Championships.
The gold medallist was followed by Lauren Lavigna of VAND, who seized silver medal of the event with an effort of 2 minutes and 12.85 seconds. The 22-year-old Lavigna remained only 0.02 seconds ahead of Stephanie Proud of Gator Swim Club, who settled on the podium for bronze medal with a timing of 2 minutes and 12.87 seconds.
The fourth fastest spot of the race was secured by Cheverton Samantha of Pointe-Claire Swim Club, who was nearly two seconds slower than her and ended her sprint in a time of 2 minutes and 14.11 seconds.
She was 0.42 seconds faster than her following competitor, Tess Behrens of Minnesota, who completed her race in a time of 2 minutes and 14.53 seconds for fifth position. She remained in a lead of 0.13 seconds from Mission Aurora Club's Bonnie Brandon, who ended sixth with a time of 2 minutes and 14.66 seconds.
The crowd was contended with the inspiring efforts of all participants while the podium finishers were called upon the medal rostrum for their irresistible efforts in back-stroke discipline after the completion of session.
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