University Southern California Trojans
Soni Doubles Up, Wins Second Gold At 2011 Worlds
July 29, 2011 | Women's Swimming & Diving
July 29, 2011
Rebecca Soni has had few disappointments since splashing onto the world's stage with one gold and two silver medals at the 2008 Olympics, but finishing fourth in her signature 200-meter breast at the 2009 World Championships was surely one of them.
Two years later, Soni avenged the rare blemish, winning the same event at the 2011 World Championships in wire-to-wire fashion Friday in Shanghai, China, in 2:21.47. Her only challenge came from Trojan Club teammate Yuliya Efimova (Russia), who was second in 2:22.22. Efimova made a brief move over the final 50 but wasn't close enough to challenge for gold. Canada's Martha McCabe was a distant third (2:24.81).
"It felt great the first 100, and then I was just trying to hold on there at the end," Soni said. "I ran out of gas a little bit that last half, but overall I'm really happy with it."
The victory complemented Soni's earlier win in the 100m breast on Tuesday, marking the biggest long course sweep of her career. She will challenge for gold in the 50m breast on Sunday, though she is not the favorite (that nod goes to Trojan club teammate Jessica Hardy).
"Rebecca continues to lead the way in the breaststroke events leading into the Olympic year," USC swimming head coach Dave Salo said. "She is looking forward to the 50 breast and the medley relays to close out the world championships. I think she would like to conclude this meet with a third gold in the relay which team USA was unable to win in 2009 when the backup relay failed to qualify for the finals.
"Reb and I will sit down in the next several weeks to begin to map out her strategy for preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games. I think the plan we develop will allow her to continue to be a gold medal contender in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke events."
Trojan senior-to-be Katinka Hosszu, who won a world championship gold in 2009 in the 400m IM, will swim the event Sunday. Former Trojan great and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Ous Mellouli will also swim his signature event, the 1500m free, on Saturday and (presumably on) Sunday.
Players Mentioned
