Missy Franklin Wins Her First Gold - Women's 100m Backstroke - London 2012 Olympics - Medal Results

Everyone expected the United States' teen aged swimming phenom Missy Franklin to challenge for several medals at the London 2012 Olympics, but few expected her to strike gold tonight in the Women's 100m Backstroke.  However, the young swimmer proved she's the real deal by powering by her competition in the final 25 meters, resulting in her first Olympic gold medal, but probably not her last.

The Women's 100m Backstroke has been the most fun and exciting event of the London games so far for me.  The British commentators had all but written off her chances of winning, feeling that her choice to swim in a semi-final just 10 minutes prior to this final was a mistake that might be too much to overcome.

At the 50m mark, it looked like they might be right, but Franklin kicked the race into another gear and powered by her competition, setting a new American Record in the process.  Way to go Missy!

Results:

Gold: Missy Franklin - United States

Silver: Emily Seebohm - Australia

Bronze: Aya Terakawa  - Japan

Congratulations to all the medalists!

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