Torres Drops 100 Free in Beijing
2008-07-07
Nikki Dryden
Dara Torres has dropped the 100 free to concentrate on the 50
After winning the 50 free last night in American Record time, Dara Torres decided today to drop the 100 from her individual event program to concentrate on the sprint event.

According to AP reports, Torres' decision was announced today by USA Swimming, and Lacey Nymeyer will replace her. There is no mention of whether Kara Lynn Joyce who finished 7th will be added to the team due to the Torres' withdrawal. However, Joyce might actually have another chance to be added: Emily Silver, who finished 5th in the 100 free broke her hand on her touch in the 50 free semi-final. She is scheduled to have surgery today and could be out of the water for up to 10 days. This is the 3rd time Silver has broken this hand.

Meanwhile reports say that Torres withdrew out of concern that participating in both the 50 and 100 free and relays would be too difficult. However, the decision probably has more to do with focusing on the event she thinks she has the best shot at winning. The relay would only add 1 or 2 more 100 frees to the program she did at Trials. If she continues to be the stop swimmer in the 100 she would not have to swim in prelims of the 4x100 free or medley relay.