Rio Olympics: Swimmer Olivia Smoliga Places 6th in 100-Meter Backstroke

Swimmer Olivia Smoliga came in sixth place in the women's 100-meter backstroke Monday at the Olympics in Rio, the Glenview resident's first-ever appearance in the Games.

Smoliga's time in the event was 59.95 seconds. Hungary's Katinka Hosszú won the gold medal (58.45), Team USA's Kathleen Baker captured the silver (58.75), and China's Fu Yuanhui Canada's Kylie Masse tied for the bronze (58.76).

Smoliga earned her spot on the U.S. team after beating previous gold medal winners Missy Franklin and Natalie Coughlin during this year's Olympic trials in Omaha, NE.

More Patch Coverage of North Shore Olympians

• Is Swimmer Dwyer Leslie Jones' New Sexy Vanilla Muffin?
• Local Swimmers Conor Dwyer, Olivia Smoliga Move On to Medal Rounds
• Winnetka Swimmer Conor Dwyer Finishes 4th in 400-Meter Freestyle
• Rio Olympics 2016: When to Watch North Shore Athletes Compete
• Rhythmic Gymnast Team From the North Shore Among Illinois Olympians Headed to Rio

Smoliga wasn't the only North Shore Olympic swimmer competing for an Olympic medal Monday in Rio. Winnetka's Conor Dwyer won the bronze medal in the men's 200-meter freestyle, earning his first-ever Olympic medal in an individual event.

Dwyer, who placed fourth in the 400-meter freestyle Saturday, captured the bronze with a time of 1:45.23, a personal best. China's Sun Yang won the gold medal (1:44.65), and South Africa's Chad Le Clos took home the silver (1:45.20). Yang also won the gold in 400-meter freestyle.

The 200-meter was Dwyer's last chance to medal in an individual event in Rio this year. He just missed out on the bronze medal in Saturday's 400-meter freestyle.

Dwyer next competes with Team USA in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay Tuesday, Aug. 9. That group—which Dwyer as a part of—hopes to repeat its 2012 performance at the London Olympics, when it won the gold medal.

And what about Dwyer's highest profile fan, Saturday Night Live cast member and Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones? The stand-up comic/actress/Twitter Olympic commentator was not shy about letting the public know—via her Twitter feed—how she felt about her Olympic crush's finish Monday night:

PHOTO: Olivia Smoliga after winning the 100-meter backstroke during the 2016 U.S. Olympic swimming team trials in Omaha, NE. (USA Swimming)

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