Missy Franklin Helps Team USA to New American Record in 400 Free Relay
Team USA's Missy Franklin helped her team to an early lead in the women's 400 meter freestyle relay at the London 2012 Olympic Games on day 1. However, her team mates could not hold of a powerful Australia team who came through in style to take the gold, setting an Olympic record of 3 minutes 33.15 seconds.
Team USA did however hold on to take a bronze medal to help the United States begin their medal rush in their attempt to try and top the medals table at the 2012 summer Games.
Missy Franklin swam leadoff under world record pace to give her team a brilliant chance at the gold, but it was not to be, and perfectly timed assault by Australia saw Team USA come up short. However, Franklin helped set such a fast pace for Team USA that they produced an American record in the event.
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Fourth leg Melanie Schlanger in fact was forced to hold on at the end. The Netherlands managed to overturn the United States team as well and claim silver in 3:33.79.
Team USA took the bronze medal in 3:34.24, which also gave Natalie Coughlin her 12th medal of an amazing career. She now ties Dara Torres and Jenny Thompson as the most decorated U.S. female Olympians. She won the medal as she swam in the preliminary rounds which took place in the morning, and everyone who participates on a relay for the team gets a medal.
Meanwhile the bronze is Missy Franklin's first medal, and comes in her first appearance at the London games. An ecstatic Franklin later tweeted, "My first Olympic medal and a new American Record. I am so proud of my relay and couldn't think of a better way to start off the meet!"
