Canadian Olympic Trials Day 2: Knabe, Richter Lead Qualifiers -- May 29, 2000

MONTREAL, May 29. MORGAN Knabe and Owen Von Richter turned in the most impressive performances during the finals of Day 2 of the Canadian Olympic Trials, being held at the Piscine Olympique, site of the 1976 Olympic Games, in Montreal, Quebec.

Knabe breezed to victory in the men's 100 meter breaststroke in 1:02.13, a tad slower than his national record of 1:01.69 set in prelims. That time broke Victor Davis' 16-year-old Canadian record of 1:01.99, set at the 1984 Olympics.

Von Richter took over the lead at the 100 meter mark of the 400m individual medley, then gradually pulled away to win in 4:20.57. He joins Curtis Myden, who pre-qualified for the Canadian Olympic Teamn and did not swim the event here in Montreal.

In the women's finals, Jennifer Button came from behind to win the 100m butterfly in a pedestrian 1:01.01. Only 23/100 of a second separated th top four finishers. Audrey LaCroix and Karine Chevrier, the leader at the 50m mark, tied for second at 1:01.22, followed by pre-meet favorite Jessica Deglau in a disappointing 1:01.23.

Karine Legault took the women's 400m freestyle in 4:14.47.

In semi final action, Kelly Stefanyshin led qualifiers in the women's 100m back in 1:03.10, while Mark Versfeld was the top man at 55.84. Mark Johnston will enter the men's 200m freestyle as the top qualifier with his 1:49.69, while Rhiannon Leier will be the top seed in the women's 100m breast off her 1:09.84 semi final performance.