The Netherlands looked to win the Women’s 4×100M Freestyle Relay in Heat 2, but the Canadians took the early lead. The US stole the lead for one lap, and then the Netherlands shot to the front and started to pull away.

By the final lap, it was sure to be the Netherlands that won as it looked they were continuing to increase their lead at the turn. But then, it was heart that kicked in and nothing can beat pure heart in an Olympic competition. Lacey Nymeyer of the US came back to win the heat. Her heart is what makes the Olympic games all about champions along with the heart of the entire American relay team.

The US has a chance at this medal. And their heart took this heat ahead of 2nd place Netherlands and 3rd place France. Unfortunately, after a strong start, the Canadians could only muster 4th place.

US 15 YEAR OLD PLACES FIRST…

In the semifinal heat for the Women’s 400 M Individual Medley, Katie Hoff, our biggest hope at the Gold, took second and advances to the finals. Katie is the world record holder.

But the big surprise was Elizabeth Beisel, a scant 15 years old, beat her team mate at the finish to also advance. This places the US in a great position to medal in the event.

In an interview, Katie Hoff, four years after collapsing on the deck in Athens, said she attributed her performance to experience and hard work.

Tennessee Swimmer A New American Record Holder!

Christine Magnuson was amazing setting a new American record, placing second in the semi-final qualification in the Women’s 100 Meter Butterfly at 57.08.  She was off the lead by .03 seconds.  Phew.  It shows how close this can be!