LAUSANNE, Switzerland, October 24. AFTER an incredible meet that included her first world record, USA's Missy Franklin jumped into the FINA World Cup Overall Standings lead among the women. Meanwhile, South Africa's Chad Le Clos maintained his grip on the overall men's standings.
Franklin tallied 70 points in just two meets of work. She claimed 25 points from Moscow and 25 points from Berlin, and added a 20-point world record bonus. Sweden's Therese Alshammar stands second with 45 points, but still has three more meets with a cap of 100 points to be earned barring a world record (the final meet features double points to guarantee someone showing up just in case they think they have an insurmountable lead). With Franklin not continuing the rest of the World Cup, it puts Alshammar in position to defend her 2010 title. USA's Allison Schmitt jumped to third with 40 points, while Australia's Angie Bainbridge (30) and Daryna Zevina (27) are fourth and fifth.
Le Clos has been the most consistent overall standing scorer with a total of 86 points overall. He scored 25 in Dubai, 16 in Stockholm, 20 in Moscow and 25 in Berlin to lead the men's race. Japan's Hidemasa Sano stands second with 70 points and is handicapped due to not swimming in Dubai. He has picked up 25 points in Stockholm, 25 points in Moscow and 20 in Berlin. USA's Michael Phelps, who is likely done with the rest of the circuit, jumped to third with 32 points after 16 points from both Moscow and Berlin. Australia's Kenneth To (31) and Germany's Marco Koch (27) are fourth and fifth.
These swimmers are vying for the $100,000; $50,000 and $30,000 prizes for first, second and third place in the overall circuit standings. Even if Franklin fades to second or third, she will be looking at bypassing anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 in winnings to maintain NCAA eligibility. She has already compiled $21,500 in two meets, including a $10,000 world record bonus, that she will have to forgo to remain recruitable.
FINA World Cup Cash Earnings List
FINA Top Threes
MEN
Swimmer Country Points
1. Chad Le Clos RSA 86
2. Hidemasa Sano JPN 70
3. Michael Phelps USA 32
WOMEN
Swimmer Country Points
1. Missy Franklin USA 70
2. Therese Alshammar SWE 45
3. Allison Schmitt USA 40
