With three medals already won, Missy Franklin is moving closer to another one at the 2012 London Olympics. On Thursday, Franklin advanced to the semifinals of the 200 meter backstroke with the best qualifying time, 2:07.54. Fellow American Elizabeth Beisel, racing in a different heat, had the second-best overall time at 2:07.82. Kirsty Coventry was in Franklin's heat and finished right behind her at 2:08.14, 0.60 seconds behind Franklin.
In the semifinals, set for Thursday afternoon at 12:58 p.m. MT, Franklin will take part in the second heat. Coventry, who owns the world record in this event (2:04.81, 2009) will also be in the same heat. They will be in the fourth and fifth lanes, respectively.
About 30 minutes after the conclusion of that race, Franklin will go for gold in the 100 meter freestyle. That is scheduled for 1:37 p.m. MT.
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.
