Olympic Swimming Results 2012: Missy Franklin Takes Gold in 200m Backstroke

Teenage swimming superstar Missy Franklin continued her remarkable journey at the 2012 London Olympics on Friday, winning gold in the women's 200-meter backstroke final. 

Franklin dominated the field, setting a new world record with  a time of 2 minutes and 4.06 seconds. Russian Anastasia Zueva took silver while Franklin's teammate Elizabeth Beisel finished in bronze position.

The 17-year-old American can now boast a gold medal in both the women's 100- and 200-meter backstroke in 2012. 

Franklin had posted the second fastest time in the event during qualification, clocking in behind American teammate Elizabeth Beisel in a time of 2:06.84. 

Still though, many viewed Beisel and former world-record holder Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe (2:04.81 in Rome, 2009) as the favorites to touch the wall first. 

We certainly learned a lot from Franklin's second jaw-dropping win at the 2012 London Games.

Franklin's dominance in the pool this summer signals that she is here to stay. Barring an unforeseen injury or sudden lack of desire to compete, the Olympic champion will be back to contend in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.

Franklin has four Olympic medals to her name now, including a gold and bronze in the 4x100 and 4x200 freestyle relays respectively. 

It's safe to say that Franklin's first trip to the Olympics has been a success, and that, unlike many prodigies, she has not only lived up to, but exceeded the hype. 

Her performance in Friday's 200-meter back proves that her combination of natural talent and self confidence will make her virtually unbeatable over the next decade as her swimming career blossoms.

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