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The mega mystery at the swimming events in Rio de Janeiro: What happened to Missy Franklin?

The reigning 200-meter backstroke Olympic champion -- and world record holder in the event -- finished seventh in her semifinal heat on Thursday night, which means she did not even qualify for Friday's final.

Franklin touched the wall in 2:09.74. That's nearly six seconds behind the world record swim she posted at the 2012 London Olympics (2:04.06). Yes, this was an unpredictable outcome for Franklin, who suffered the same fate in the 200-meter freestyle, failing to touch in time to make that event's final

She helped the 4x200 freestyle relay team qualify for that event's final -- and though she didn't swim in that final, she still won a team gold there -- but with Thursday's disappointing showing, Franklin has no more swims on the docket.

It's a dramatic turn from 2012, when she won four gold medals and became the female face of American swimming. Franklin walked away as a darling for Team USA. Something's changed, and just what exactly it is remains to be determined.

Elsewhere, Maya Dirado -- an up-and-coming star for Team USA on the women's side -- had the third-fastest time (2:07.53) in the semifinal heats.

For Franklin, she'll always have London, and it's not as if her career is over. She's still got the capability to keep going. She's just 21. If she takes on a daunting training regimen, she's got the pedigree to qualify -- and maybe even medal again -- come 2020. There could be a redemptive arc yet, which can only be made possible by what's happened this week in Rio.

Franklin's handled the struggle with class and a reluctant smile. Even amid her scrambling, it's been hard not to root for her as so many others have hit new levels of personal success.