17-Year-Old Missy Franklin Wins Gold for U.S.

17-year-old American Missy Franklin won the women’s 100-meter backstroke at the London Olympics Monday.

Franklin won the two-lap race in 58.33 seconds for her first Olympic gold and second medal after taking bronze in the 4x100 freestyle relay.

''Indescribable,'' Franklin said. ''I still can't believe that happened. I don't even know what to think. I saw my parents' reaction on the screen and I just started bawling. I can't even think right now.''

Emily Seebohm of Australia claimed the silver medal with a time of 58.68 while Japan’s Ava Terakawa won the bronze touching the wall at 58.83.

Franklin swam in the event just a little more than 10 minutes after taking the eighth and final qualifying spot in the 200 freestyle semifinals.