Palo Alto - AFP
Missy Franklin, the 16-year-old who made a splash with three gold medals at the World Championships in Shanghai, won the 100m backstroke title at the US Swimming Championships. Franklin on Wednesday won in 59.18 seconds to claim the first national title of her career two days after returning from China. Ryan Lochte, who won five gold medals in China, settled for bronze in the men's 100m backstroke. "I did everything I could," Lochte said. "I'm running on 'E' right now and my coach knows it." Franklin, whose three gold medals in Shanghai included the 200m backstroke crown, was thrilled to keep the momentum going in a meet that some other US international swimmers -- including Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin -- opted to skip. "It feels absolutely amazing," Franklin said. "I'm so happy to be here." Lochte was second at the turn in his race before finishing third behind Olympian Matt Grevers and Nick Thoman. Grevers, who didn't make the US team for Shanghai, won in 53.14. Thoman, who was fourth in the 100m back at worlds, was second at 53.57. Lochte finished at 53.79 and said he would not swim any more events at nationals.