Women’s 200m Breaststroke Pick
The battle for gold in the Women’s 200-meter Breaststroke at the Rio Olympics should be a close one. Which one will emerge with the victory?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Taylor McKeown is the favorite to win, as she has +175 odds to win. Other short odds to prevail are Rie Kaneto (+200) and Yuliya Efimova (+400). The Rio Olympics continue today through Aug. 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
McKeown competes for Australia and she posted the top time in the semifinals at 2:21.69. She is looking to earn her first Olympic medal. Her biggest victory was gold in this event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Kaneto had a 2:22.11 in the semifinals, the second fastest time. She competes for Japan. She is also seeking her first Olympic medal.
Efimova had a 2:22.52 in the semifinals, which put her fifth. She competes for Russia and already took home the silver in the 100 breaststroke at these games. She won the bronze in this event in 2012.
McKeown may have had the top time, but Efimova has been in the storm of the media over the last few days for her battle with Lilly King in the 100 breaststroke. King edged her out for gold and then had some disparaging remarks due to Efimova’s past troubles with doping issues. Look for Efimova to come out motivated in this event. She could provide a nice payout with a win.
RIO SUMMER OLYMPICS FREE PICK: YULIYA EFIMOVA +400