Hali Flickinger advances to semifinal in Olympic debut
Spring Grove native Hali Flickinger dazzled in her Olympic debut, posting the second-fastest qualifying time in the 200-meter butterfly to advance to the semifinals.
Flickinger finished second in her heat in 2:06.67, the same time as fellow American Cammile Adams, who won her heat.
It was a career-best finish for Flickinger, according to her father, Doug Flickinger.
WATCH: Hali Flickinger in USA Swimming viral video
"Hali told us yesterday that she was feeling good and strong. She proved it in that race by dropping almost a full second off her best time," Doug Flickinger told the York Daily Record via Facebook. "Can't wait to watch tonight!!"
Flickinger pulled out to third place after the first lap and moved into second at the end of the second. She made a strong charge in the third lap to go out front and let for much of the final lap before Spain's Mireia Belmonte just barely edged her at the wall. Belmonte won the heat by .03 seconds.
It was a remarkable performance by Flickinger, who entered the event with the 13th fastest qualifying time.
She easily advanced to tonight's semifinals, set for 9:37 p.m. The top 16 swimmers will compete in the semis. And the top eight semifinalists advance to Wednesday night's primetime final.
Check back soon for more updates.
