Missy Franklin

Everyone has heard of Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin however swimming has seen the emergence of a new super star; Missy Franklin. This latest up and coming idol is not a twenty five year old but a sixteen year old who has dedicated her life to becoming an Olympic winner. At such a young age Missy has surpassed being a high school state champion and is now apart of the United States National Team. This humble teen will also be competing in the 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London, England. During the 2011 Worlds in Shanghai Missy won the 200 backstroke, also achieving an American record in the event. As well Missy took home bronze in the 50 meter backstroke and "carried home the American women to their first world title in the 4x100 Medley relay since 1998." [Splash Magazine] Missy Franklin of Denver, Colorado also known as "Missile" Missy is definitely someone to keep your eye on during the up coming Olympics.    

Swimming Strokes

Thousands of people around the world love to swim for fun but few know what it is truly like as a sport to swim competitively. Many people only know of the one basic stroke, freestyle (and no, doggie paddle IS NOT considered an actual stroke) and are unaware that there are also three other strokes. Butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle are all four of the strokes used during swim meets, some are more complicated than others. Butterfly is known as the toughest stroke to accomplish because of the timing and strength required in order to stay a float. Swimmer's must move their arms up and above their head like doing arm circles and keep their legs together while kicking like a dolphin. Backstroke is a nice simply stroke, where you just lay on your back floating while spinning your arms and flutter kicking. Breaststroke on the other hand is hard to do and explain. The easiest way to put it is that you look like a frog when you do this stroke. Last but certainly not least, the stroke that everyone knows, freestyle. You float on your stomach, flutter kick and spin your arms like you are throwing a baseball.