WONDERFUL WORRELL WINS -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

5th FASTER TIME EVER IN 100 METER BUTTERFLY HELPS KELSI WHIRL PUNCH TICKET TO RIO

It was the first event up on the nationally broadcast US Olympic Swimming qualifying events Monday night and it was over in less than a minute. 

Kelsi Worrell is headed to Rio. 

Using an almost perfect turn after 50 meters, the University of Louisville graduate pulled past 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Dana Vollmer to win the 100 meter butterfly in 56.48. 

In less than a minute and in the fifth fastest time in the history of the event, Kelsi was the champ. It was the second fastest time of the year in the 100 meter event. 

The 100 meter "fly" is definitely a sprint race. We are familiar with racing here in Louisville. In two minutes, we know the annual Kentucky Derby winner. This win by Worrell would be the equivalent of five furlongs...half the distance of the Derby...and it also qualifies her to swim on the USA medley relay team as well in Rio this summer.

As they were introduced and went to the blocks, Worrell had a calm and serene look on her face. It belied what was going on inside her. After the race, she explained:

"Before the race it was emotional. For me, it is my family sitting there in the front row and our big team section." 

The winning swimmers in Omaha sign a big, brightly colored "flip-flop" shoe by poolside after they finished their event. Fitting, indeed, since Kelsi Worrell took that last big step last night to represent the USA and Louisville in the greatest athletic venue of all...The Olympics.  

We'll join Howie Lindsey on Louisville First this morning to discuss it. Wonderful. Simply wonderful! 

WATCH IT AGAIN: 

LINK: WORRELL WINS 100 FLY

paulie
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