At LA28, Ruta Meilutyte Could Take a Page Out of Anthony Ervin’s Book
At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Anthony Ervin wrote one of the best stories the sport has seen. Sixteen years after he shared gold in the 50-meter freestyle at the Sydney Olympics, Ervin edged Frenchman Florent Manaudou by the slimmest of margins to become a two-time champion in the event. Not only did he span eras, the victory made Ervin the oldest individual Olympic gold medalist in swimming history.
Two years away from the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, could there be another 16-year gap between Olympic titles? Ruta Meilutyte has the potential.
As a 15-year-old at the 2012 Olympics in London, Meilutyte captured the gold medal in the 100 breaststroke with a narrow triumph over American Rebecca Soni. The Lithuanian registered a time of 1:05.47, with Soni just behiund in 1:05.55. The performance launched a spectacular international career for Meilutyte, who followed with world-record efforts and the collection of 15 medals between the World Championships and European Championships.
Meilutyte was one of two 15-year-olds to win gold at the London Aquatics Centre, the other being Katie Ledecky. It’s safe to say she also jumpstarted a stellar career in the capital of England. Both are now chasing a fifth Olympics, and neither for ceremonial purposes. They remain premier performers who are trying to enhance their rich legacies.
At the recent European Championships in Paris, Meilutyte won gold in the 50 breaststroke, going 29.93 to clip Italy’s Benedetta Pilato (29.94) and Ireland’s Mona McSharry (29.95). It was the only event Meilutyte contested, as she has seemingly abandoned the 100 breaststroke to focus on the sprint discipline, where she has captured four consecutive world championships.
With the 50-meter stroke events added to the program for LA28, the timing for the 29-year-old Meilutyte is perfect. While she went 29-high at Euros, she was 29.55 on the way to the world title last summer in Singapore. To reach the podium in Los Angeles, a performance in the 29-mid range – at minimum – will be required. There is no reason to believe Meilutyte won’t return to that territory.
In Rio, Ervin defined longevity in a new way. Meilutyte has the ability to write her own 16-year reign.
