Missy Franklin will become the first American female to swim seven events at the Olympics.
The 17-year-old Franklin locked up her fourth individual event with a dominating win in the 200-meter backstroke Sunday night at the US Olympic trials. She touched in 2 minutes, 06.12 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year and nearly 1 1/2 seconds ahead of runner-up Elizabeth Beisel, who secured the second spot in London at 2:07.58.
Franklin, who will be a high school senior in the fall, had already earned spots in the 100 and 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. She's also assured of swimming on all three relays.
"I can't believe I have seven events," Franklin said. "It's so overwhelming but so exciting. The whole week went really, really well."
The 200 back is Franklin's best event. She's the defending world champion and heads to London as the overwhelming favorite in that race.
"She's the best in the world for a reason. She can beat all of us pretty handily," Beisel said.
Some teenagers have wilted in the Olympic spotlight.
Beisel expects Franklin to thrive.
"She handles the media so well," the runner-up said. "I can see a lot of pressure on her, but she handles it like she's 25 and she's been doing this for years. Props to her for being so amazing at that."
