Kennedy wins bronze medal in 100 freestyle at U.S. national championships

Madison Kennedy won a bronze medal at the U.S. national championships in the 100 freestyle. (Photo courtesy U.S. Swimming)

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Aug. 10 – Avon swimmer Madison Kennedy is going home with two U.S. national championship medals. Kennedy won her first individual U.S. title on Saturday, taking gold in the 50-meter freestyle. On Monday night, Kennedy won her first U.S. national medal in the 100 freestyle, taking third with a time of 55.02 seconds.

Kennedy, 27, had the lead at the midway point with the fastest 50 meter time among the eight finalists at 26.25 seconds, slightly ahead of the American record holder in this event Amanda Weir (26.41) and Olympic medalist Allison Schmidt (26.65).

But in the second 50 meters, Weir was able to inch ahead to pick up a solid victory with a time of 54.24 seconds. Schmidt was second in 54.34 with Kennedy taking third – her best-ever finish in the event at the U.S. national championships.

Kennedy was seeded third after morning qualifying with her time of 55.14 seconds behind Weir (54.64) and Schmidt (54.81).

Previously, Kennedy’s best finish in the 100 meters at the U.S. nationals was a tenth place finish a year ago with a time of 54.86 seconds.