Women's 100m Breaststroke Finals

Rebecca Soni is the only swimmer to ever successfully defend a title at these games! And for the first time Japan is getting a silver instead of bonze! First women to ever swim under 2:20s, she's the only person who can do this. Congrats!

Gold: Rebecca Soni (Usa) world record

Silver: Satomi Suzuki (Jpn)

Bronze: Efimova (Rus)

Women's 100m Breaststroke Finals

This is the race I'm waiting for. You have past world champions in here, and a surprising new prodigy that the world is watching intensely, anticipating for her to shine. Meilutyte, Soni and Efimova qualified fastest for this event. Alia Atkinson is the first Jamaican to make it to a swimming events finals! She had to battle it out in a swim off to be in that spot, didn't see her in the initial finals list. Larsen got off to a false start, how excruciatingly nervous it must have been! Meilutyte led throughout and WON THE GOLD. One of my goosebumps moments.

Gold: Ruta Meilutyte (Ltu)

Silver: Rebecca Soni (Usa)

Bronze: Satomi Suzuki (Jpn)

4 Alia Atkinson (Jam)

5. Leisel Jones (Aus)

6. Iuliia Efimova (Rus)

7. Breeja Larson (Usa)

8. Rikke Pederson (Den)

Women's 100m Breaststroke Semifinals

Ruta did it again! She was so overwhelmed that she cried during the heats, but was so confident as she marches out for the semifinals. Alas, another fastest qualification, another Lithuanian record broken. What's interesting is that Sarah Poewe, who failed to make it to the finals this time, swum for both Germany and South Africa. She represented South Africa in 2000 Sydney Games, started representing Germany since 2004. She has a stellar career, won numerous European Championships as well. At just 29 years of age, she has fallen off form. Seems that women's swimmers' peak is about 15-20. D:

I will be rooting for the young Lithuanian! Will you? :D

1. Ruta Meilutyte (Ltu) 1:05.21
2. Rebecca Soni (Usa) 1:05.98
3. Iuliia Efimova (Rus) 1:06.57
4. Breeja Larson (Usa) 1:06.70
5. Leisel Jones (Aus) 1:06.81
6. Rikke Pederson (Den) 1:06.82
7. Satomi Suzuki (Jpn) 1:07.10

Women's 100m Breaststroke Heats

What a swim! Many familiar faces and names here, Leisel Jones, defending champion Rebecca Soni who has been dominant in this field since Beijing, 18 year old Tera Van Beilen who got gold and silver at the 100m & 200m breaststroke events back in 2010 YOG. They all made it to the semifinals. But what made my heart warm is really Rūta Meilutytė, who became the fastest qualifier. I thought she emerged out of nowhere, how ignorant of me. This young 15 year old has broke 9 Lithuanian records since making her appearance in the professional scene. She was so overwhelmed that when she emerged out of the water, she broke down. It must have been the fastest she has ever swam and she couldn't believe it. She out-swam Soni to become the fastest qualifier for the events. I hope she continue that speed! It's gonna be a match to look out for!

Semifinals:

1. Rūta Meilutytė (Ltu)

2. Rebecca Soni (Usa)

3. Iuliia Efimova (Rus)

4. Breeja Larson (Usa)

5. Leisel Jones (Aus)

6. Satomi Suzuki (Jpn)

7. Sarah Poewe (Ger)

8. Jennie Johansson (Swe)

9. Pikke Pedersen (Den)

10. Alia Atinson (Jam)

11. Leiston Pickett (Aus)

12. Suzaan van Bilkon (Rsa)

13. Zhao Jin (Chn)

14. Mina Matsushima (Jpn)

15. Jillian Tyler (Can)

16. Tera Van Beilen (Can)

an emotional Ruta