DUBAI: Ryan Lochte is on the hunt for another three gold medals in a packed final-day evening schedule at the Short Course World Championships here on Sunday.
The US star, who already claimed two new world records and three gold medals this week, is considered a likely candidate for more record-breaking times in the 100m individual medley, the 200m backstroke and is likely to also be part of the 4x100m medley relay.
“What happens, happens,” said Lochte after leading the qualification for the 200m backstroke finals in 1:50.25.
Teammate and rival, Scott Clary, qualified second fastest in 1:50.82 while Spain’s Aschwin Faber Wildeboer in third with his 1:51.63 mark.
Lochte admitted to feeling the effects of a hectic schedule, but said he was in good shape. “I’m getting tired, all this racing is catching up with me,” said the world-record breaker in the 200m and 400m individual medley. With 14 golds to be decided Sunday night the event schedule is bristling with swimming stars including Lochte’s compatriot, Rebecca Soni, who could go three from three in the individual breaststroke events if she wins the 200m.
Australia is yet to win gold at this meet and Kylie Palmer could change that in the 200m freestyle, after qualifying fourth in a time of 1:54.78. Top seed was American Kathryn Hoff in a time of 1:53.48 while world record holder, Federica Pellegrini, was third in qualifying with 1:54.66. “I’m pretty sure that was actually a personal best for me,” said Palmer. “I don’t feel pressure to win gold but it has been really tough for Australia this year. Rachel Goh also has gold-medal aspirations for Australia in the 50m backstroke.
