Rebecca Soni

You are forgetting that Natalie Coughlin is far faster in the backstroke than Emily Seabohm, and that Jessica Schippers counterpart will be USA's silver medallist,Magnuson, and I cannot begin to think about just what Dara Torres can pull out of a hat when pushed. You only have to look at what she did in the 4 x 100 womens freestyle. She is very dangerous. I am an Aussie. I would love to see our girls win but, I would never punt on us being the winner. The Americans are looking very good indeed!!! Natalie's backstroke advantage is less than Leisel's advantage (over 1.5 secs). Schipper and Magnuson are very close. I assume Tricket and Torres are equal based on the 4x100 relay. One area that could make a difference is the starts. Leisel is very slow off the blocks on her flat starts. Her reaction time was never faster than .82 - visibly slow. Perhaps the Americans can gain a few tenths on their starts and make it close to even for the freestyle leg.

Natalie's backstroke advantage is less than Leisel's advantage (over 1.5 secs). Schipper and Magnuson are very close. I assume Tricket and Torres are equal based on the 4x100 relay. One area that could make a difference is the starts. Leisel is very slow off the blocks on her flat starts. Her reaction time was never faster than .82 - visibly slow. Perhaps the Americans can gain a few tenths on their starts and make it close to even for the freestyle leg. Historically Leisel has been hit or miss on relays; often times slower in the relay than the individual. (and) For the Ausies to win this relay Liesel needs to pass Soni. As was stated already, Liesel is clearly the best breaststoker in the world: So simply do what you are supposed to do and the relay is yours.