Franklin misses out again at U.S. swimming trials

OMAHA, Neb. — For Missy Franklin, another miss at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials.

The star of the London Games struggled to an 11th-place showing in the semifinals of the 100-meter freestyle Thursday night, failing to even make it to the final. That leaves Franklin with only one individual race in Rio and just one more chance to bulk up her program: the 200 backstroke.

No matter what, Franklin’s bubbly personality will be much less of a presence at these Summer Games than it was four years ago.

“That speed just doesn’t feel like it’s quite there this meet,” she said. “No idea why. It’s super disappointing, but I really feel like my endurance is there, so it gives me a lot of hope for my 200 back.”

While Franklin is struggling, another Olympic gold medalist will get a chance to defend his title.

Nathan Adrian, the burly 27-year-old who won the 100 freestyle in London, used a powerful finishing kick to win in 47.72 seconds. Caeleb Dressel will also get to swim the down-and-back sprint in Rio, taking the second spot at 48.23.

Anthony Ervin, the oldest swimmer at the trials, got off to a blistering start and led at the turn. The 35-yearold couldn’t hold on, fading to fourth in 48.54 while also touching behind Ryan Held (48.26).

But the top four are assured of spots on the team for the 4x100 free relay, meaning Ervin will be headed to his third Olympics.