Soni Wins World Championships Gold
July 26, 2011 | Women's Swimming & Diving
July 26, 2011
Former Trojan great Rebecca Soni, the world's top breaststroker since the 2008 Summer Olympics, backed up her top ranking by winning the 100-meter breaststroke on Tuesday (July 26) at the 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai, China.
Soni, who also won gold in the same event at the 2009 Worlds, took first in 1:05.05, well ahead of Australian rival Leisel Jones (1:06.25) and China's Ji Liping (1:06.52).
Soni, the 2009 and 2010 American Female Swimmer of the Year, will be the favorite in the 200m breast and will challenge for a title in the 50m breast as well. She won silver in the 50m breast in 2009 and won gold in all three breaststroke events at the 2010 Short Course Worlds.
"Rebecca has become the dominant force in the breaststroke events at all distances the past three years," USC swimming head coach Dave Salo said. "Her win tonight was very convincing and look for strong performances in both the 200 and 50 breaststroke events. The 50 will probably be her toughest challenge as she goes up against her Trojan Swim Club teammate, Jessica Hardy who is the world record holder in the event."
Earlier in the meet, USC senior-to-be Katinka Hosszu reached the final of the 200m IM and finished sixth in 2:11.24. Sophomore-to-be Stina Gardell (Sweden) was 19th in the race (2:15.45).
Vladimir Morozov, another sophomore-to-be, led off Russia's 400m free relay in prelims that qualified third for finals. The 2011 All-American freshman did not swim in the final heat (Russia took fifth).
Former Trojan great Ous Mellouli, the reigning king of the 1500m free, finished seventh in the 400m free in 3:45.31. The final of the mile is scheduled for Sunday (July 31), the last day of the championships.
Players Mentioned
