Missy Franklin will compete for gold in the 200 meter backstroke on Friday after winning her heat in the semifinals on Thursday. Franklin posted a time of 2:06.84, besting Zimbabwe''s Kirsty Coventry by +1.48. Canada's Sinead Russell took third place, nearly two seconds behind Franklin.

In Heat 1, United States swimmer Elizabeth Beisel won it with a time of 2:06.18, the best in the semifinals. Australia's Meagan Nay (+1.24) and Russia's Anastasia Zueva (+1.70) finished in second and third, respectively.

The final will take place at 12:30 p.m. MT on Friday. Franklin, by that time, might have her fourth Olympic medal already. She is set to race for one in the 100 meter freestyle event later on Thursday. She has two gold medals (one individual, one team) and one bronze (team).

For more, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver and check out SB Nation's 2012 Summer Olympics hub. Stay up to date on the medal count with Sports Illustrated's tracker.