Canadian Penny Oleksiak Dials Up 53.41 in 100 Free At USA Swimming Pro Series

At the Canadian Olympic Trials earlier this spring, Penny Oleksiak used the platform to establish herself as a rising star in the sport. That talent was again on display on the final night of the USA Swimming Pro Series stop in Charlotte, as the 15-year-old Oleksiak put up a splendid time en route to victory in the 100 freestyle.

Oleksiak nearly matched her career best when she beat countrywoman Chantal Van Landeghem and American Dana Vollmer on Sunday night, a clocking of 53.41 doing the job. Oleksiak was timed in 53.31 at the Canadian Trials, where she also beat Van Landeghem, who was second in Charlotte in 54.13. Vollmer placed third in 54.19.

Ranked seventh in the world in the 100 free and fifth in the 100 butterfly, Oleksiak has waved goodbye to the days of anonymity or star power at the junior level. She’s now among the big fish in the big pool and while an Olympic medal might be a reach this summer at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, it’s not out of question in the fly. Meanwhile, there are the days beyond Rio, which shine bright for the Canadian.

Oleksiak went through the first lap in 26.13, trailing both Van Landeghem (25.97) and Vollmer (25.81). But it was the young teenager who had the power coming home and was able to surge ahead of her veteran foes. While Vollmer was third in the evening, what she did in the morning was her highlight of the day.

Her comeback from maternity leave shaping up better each day, Vollmer led qualifying in the …

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