McLaughlin Reaches Second Olympic Trials Final

OMAHA – On an action-filled night at the U.S. Olympic Trials Tuesday, Cal alum Katie McLaughlin qualified for the 200-meter freestyle final and rising sophomore Isabelle Stadden captured fifth place in the 100-meter backstroke.
 
McLaughlin posted the third-fastest time of the 200 free semifinals, getting to the wall in 1:57.37 for her quickest time in two years. When she returns to the pool Wednesday night, it will mark her second final of the meet after taking fifth in the 100 butterfly Monday.
 
In addition to McLaughlin, Cal senior-to-be Isabel Ivey placed 12th overall in the 200 free in 1:59.31.
 
Stadden, who recently completed her freshman year with the Golden Bears, touched fifth in the 100 back in 59.37. She set a lifetime best in the semifinals a day earlier when she finished in 58.99, She will return to pool in the 200 back later in the meet.
 
Alum Kathleen Baker, who is battling a foot injury suffered in May, placed 11th in the 200 individual medley semifinals in 2:12.95.

Earlier in the day, Isabel Ivey (14th, 1:59.60) and Ayla Spitz (22nd, 2:00.65) swam in the 200 free prelims bud did not advance.

The trials continue on Wednesday with one Cal swimmer scheduled for morning qualifying – Rachel Klinker in the 200 fly. Prelims begin at 8 a.m. PT, with finals at 5 p.m. All events are streamed on NBCOlympics.com.