By Dan D’Addona.
Missy Franklin didn’t win any events during the Mare Nostrum Swim Series — she really didn’t come close.
But Franklin had the biggest victory of the three-country series last week: She was back in the water.
Franklin hadn’t raced since the 2016 Rio Olympics. Since then, she has dealt with severe depression issues as well as surgery on both shoulders.
Either one of those situations could have easily ended a career. But having to battle through both — especially at the same time — is something that was even more detrimental.
Franklin was against the ropes.
But she fought back.
The first step was admitting that she was not 100 percent physically or mentally. That is a terrifying thing to admit to a world-class athlete, even to themselves — especially Franklin, who is known for her infectious smile and bubbly, up-beat personality. Those characteristics became synonymous with Franklin, making it extremely difficult to separate herself from what the public sees.
It would be easy to feel like she let her fans down by admitting depression, but in fact, it made Franklin more identifiable — and even more of a role model.
The instant she came to grips with her own depression, the tide began to turn.
Franklin did everything she could to keep that tide turned back in her favor. She moved to a new setting, took care of her physical injuries and began the long road to recovery.
Training with coach Jack Bauerle in Georgia, she got a fresh start, both in the pool and at school.
The only thing that remained was getting back in the water competitively.
After nearly two years away from racing, Franklin made her return at the Mare Nostrum Swim Series, with stops in Canet-en-Roussillon, France, then Barcelona and Monte Carlo.
Her first race back, she finished ninth in the 200 free prelims in France, finishing in 2:00.51. She then won the B final in a much-faster 1:58.91. Franklin then made the 200 back final and finished sixth in 2:13.14.
On the second day, she took 12th in the 100 free in 56.32 and also finished 18th in the 100 back prelims (1:03.48).
Moving to Spain, Franklin scratched the 100 back and competed again in the 200 free, finishing fifth in 1:59.25.
In her last stop in Monaco, Franklin earned her highest finish, taking third in the 200 free in 2:00.36.
It was far from her best race ever — it wasn’t even her fastest swim of the series — but it capped what could turn out to be the most important swim meet of Franklin’s career.
Missy is back, and that is more of a victory than anything anyone could have done in the water.
So glad that Missy is back competing again. I have complete faith and confidence that she will again rise to the the highest levels in our beloved sport.
Congratulations Missy
So glad she is back! Missed seeing that smile.
I am thrilled to see her back swimming. She is phenomenal.
Congratulations Missy. You have millions of people pulling for you whether you’re 1st, 10th or whatever. You are a champion at life and will be successful at whatever you do. You have heart, spirit and brains.
Just amazing
Doppingos
You can do it
Go Missy!
Welcome back!!!!
50 days..tic-toc..tic-toc….then we will know the true Missy…the end ..or a new start…..because she raced against ..NO ONE in those races in Europe and the USA Nationals this year are for the Major meets for the next two years…and the youngsters are HUNGRY and HEALTHY….tic …toc…
Is making a team one of her goals for this summer?
if she does not do well at this years nationals..she will not be at any MAJOR meets in 2 years…because its the selection meet for Pan Pacs 2018 and Worlds 2019…so if you think shes trying to make a comeback to go to TYR pro swim series..not what champions..which she is …shoot for….just saying
Did you get a chance to talk to her? Is it or is it not one of her goals to make a team this summer?
Ana Paula Behr
“Way to go Missy”…Glory is in the road you travel!