Missy Franklin wins gold

U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin smiles with a mixture of relief and joy after winning the women’s 100-meter backstroke final at the London 2012 Olympics. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

July 30, 2012 3:07 PM PT

United States’ Missy Franklin wins the gold medal in the 100m backstroke final, the first of seven races on her schedule.

Missy Franklin is the only one smiling seconds after winning the women’s 100m backstroke gold medal. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Missy Franklin starts in the women’s 100-meter backstroke swimming final Monday. (Michael Sohn / Associated Press)

Missy Franklin launches from the starting block on her way to a gold medal performance. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

United States’ Missy Franklin, left, and Australia’s Emily Seebhom start in the women’s 100-meter backstroke swimming final. (Mark Duncan / Associated Press)

Missy Franklin leads the pack by a half a length as she approaches the finish line to win the gold. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Emily Seebohm, right, of Australia congratulates Missy Franklin after Franklin won the gold medal in the women’s 100m backstroke. (Rob Carr / Getty Images)

United States’ Missy Franklin displays her gold medal for the women’s 100m backstroke. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Emily Seebohm, Missy Franklin, Aya Terakawa

Medal winners in the women’s 100m backstroke, from left: Silver medalist Emily Seebohm of Australia, gold medalist Missy Franklin of the United States and bronze medalist Aya Terakawa of Japan. (Adam Pretty / Getty Images)