Could Natalie Coughlin be left off of the 2012 Olympic Team? She's one race away from being potentially left out of the pack.
Coughlin is now in danger of missing her first Olympics after she finished third and missed qualification from her signature event, the 100 meter backstroke. Coughlin has won the 100 meter backstroke in the Olympics in both Athens and Beijing, and her elimination puts her in pretty dire straits. Coughlin has one event left (the 100 meter freestyle).
The good news is one Cal swimmer did end up making it in the event in Rachel Bootsma, who finished second in the event behind Missy Franklin. Both Cal swimmers Caitlin Leverenz and Elizabeth Pelton won their semifinals to set up a showdown in the 200 meter IM finals. Neither Cal men's swimmers Tom Shields nor Will Hamilton were able to qualify for the 200 meter semifinals.
In other results, Michael Phelps edged out Ryan Lochte in their second final together in the 200 meter freestyle, and Matt Grevers beat out Nick Thoman in the 100 meter backstroke.
Talk about Coughlin and other Cal swimmers at the California Golden Blogs.
For even more coverage of the 2012 Summer Games, please visit SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.