“I kind of remember myself being like that, full of energy all the time,’’ he said. “She’s just happy, just enjoying everything, she’s never tired, she’s always swimming fast. She’s really been able to come on the scene strong. I’ve said this all along, she’s a stud.’’
With a nickname to match — “Missile Missy,’’ bestowed by her father four years ago.
The 16-year-old phenom has energized the entire U.S. team and coaching staff with her bubbly personality, wide smile revealing a mouth full of braces, and impressive maturity.
“She’s genuinely happy and excited to race, more so than any swimmer on this team,’’ U.S. women’s co-captain Natalie Coughlin said. “It’s unbelievably refreshing to have her energy on the team.’’
Franklin led all the way to win the 200 backstroke, then anchored the U.S. women to victory in the 400 medley relay. She accomplished so much at these worlds that her coach Todd Schmitz had to shave off his goatee as payback.
“I’ve never been this happy in my entire life. It has been such an incredible meet,’’ Franklin said. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.’’
Listening to her, Coughlin laughed and said, “See what I mean? So excited to be here.’’
Franklin set two American records, winning the 200 back in 2 minutes, 5.10 seconds — third fastest ever — and the medley relay in 3:52.36, along with Coughlin, Rebecca Soni and Dana Vollmer. It was the Americans’ first relay at the worlds since 1998.
The teenager from Centennial, Colo., anchored the Americans’ victory in the 4x200 freestyle relay on Thursday, when she swam faster than Italy’s Federica Pellegrini did in winning the individual 200 free.
Franklin finished nearly a second in front of 200 back silver medalist Belinda Hocking of Australia, while Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands took bronze, another 2.68 seconds behind.
Franklin was asked if she was the female Phelps, a comparison that made Schmitz chafe, but one she handled with aplomb.
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