Missy Franklin doubtful for Pan Pacific Championships
By Josh Sanchez
American swimmer Missy Franklin has suffered a setback just two days before the Pan Pacific Championships are set to begin in Gold Coast, Australia. During Tuesday’s practice session, Franklin suffered back spasms that put her availability for her biggest swim of the year in jeopardy.
The four-time Olympic champion did take to social media to say she is feeling better and she hopes to be ready to go by Thursday’s race.
Had some back spasms after workout today, already feeling better! Thank you for all your support and concern❤️
— Missy Franklin Johnson (@missyfranklin) August 19, 2014
Franklin missed Wednesday’s practice as she works towards getting to 100 percent in time for the start of the Pan Pacific Championships.
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According to a press release from USA Swimming, Franklin is feeling better and she is hoping for the best when she learns the doctor’s decision on whether or not she will be ready to go in time for Thursday.
“It was very therapeutic and felt great being back in the water,” Franklin said in the press release. “I am feeling drastically better every hour that goes by and hoping and praying that I will be ready to race [Thursday]. We will consistently coordinate with team doctors and staff to make the best decisions for myself and my team.”
If Franklin is cleared in time for Thursday, she will compete in the 200m freestyle and the 100m backstroke.
Here is video of Franklin suffering from her back spasms, via SportsNet Canada.