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University Of Virginia Senior Swimmer Leah Smith Qualified For Olympics, Finishes 800-Meter Freestyle

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University of Virginia senior swimmer Leah Smith finished second in 800-meter freestyle final at U.S. Olympics swimming trials on Saturday, July 2, and now qualified for Rio Olympics.

Smith qualified in 400-meters freestyle on Monday, June 27, according to Roanoke. Then on Wednesday, June 28, she finished 4x200 freestyle relay.

According to Smith, after she finished the 800-meters freestyle, she is confident that she can be a medal contender.

Meanwhile, Katie Ledecky, a nine-time world champion cruised almost 10-second victory.  Michael Phelps also won his third individual event at these trials, Maya DiRado clinched her third individual event with a victory in the 200 backstroke final, and the defending gold medalist Missy Franklin clinched the runner-up spot.

The 19-year-old nine-time American Swimmer Of The year, Ledecky, finished in eight minutes, 10.32 seconds, while Smith took the second Olympics spot in 8:20.18.

Smith is also a four-time NCAA Champion as she won the 500- and 1,650-yard freestyle events in 2015 and 2016.

The 21-year-old swimmer, Smith, placed third in the 200m freestyle in order to qualify for the 400-m free. She will become the first Virginia American swimmer to compete at the Olympics, and the first Cavelier American to qualify for two individual events, according to Augusta Free Press. Aside from that, She is also an 11-time All-American and 10-time ACC Champion.

Phelps did not disappoint his fans as he was able to made it three-for-three at the U.S. Olympics trial, winning the 100-m butterfly. He competed in lane seven after slow swim in the semi-finals.

Phelps also finished glide to the wall in 51.00 seconds.

The 31-year-old swimmer saw number 1 beside his name, he pointed his finger to his family, including his 7-week-old son Boomer, Fox News reported. After a victory last Saturday, he has a chance to win his straight gold in the 100 fly at Rio Olympics.

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