Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin used opening day of the Arena Pro Swim Series on Thursday to announce that she has signed a deal with Speedo, her first major sponsor since turning pro.
''I'm so excited to announce being part of the Speedo family,'' Franklin said. ''I've been dying to tell everyone that. It's been so much fun working with them already. It's a new part, a new chapter.''
National team member Michael McBroom and New Zealand's Lauren Boyle took care of the competitive side, each winning a title.
McBroom out-touched Olympian Connor Jaeger, 7:54.21 to 7:54.47, to win the men's 800 meters. Boyle ran away with the women's 1,500 meters, completing the timed finals in 16:03.73. Gillian Ryan was second in 16:33.74
This is the final event of the Pro Swim Series, with the national and world championship meets on the horizon.
Franklin, who turned pro after helping California win the NCAA title in March, plans on swimming five events this week, the 100 free and 200 free, the 50, 100 and 200 back.
''I haven't really raced yet all summer,'' Franklin said. ''It's an opportunity to get out against amazing competition.''
This will be her only meet before the world championships in Kazan, Russia.
Franklin returned to Colorado following her collegiate success and was reunited with her long-time coach Todd Schmitz. She's been training there the past several months, arriving in the Bay Area on Wednesday.
''I enjoy altitude training,'' Franklin said. ''It was also great to be back with my family, friends and my dog.''
