Val Sets Masters World Mark in 800 Free at USMS Nationals -- August 15, 2002

CLEVELAND, Aug. 15. LAURA Val not only set a world record in the 800m freestyle for women 50-54 on the opening day of the 2002 USMS Long Course National Championships, she cracked the 10-minute barrier and had the fastest time of any woman in the event -- regardless of age.

Val, 51, representing Tamalpais Masters, clocked a stunning 9:59.67. NO other woman over 50 has ever cracked five minutes for 400 meters, let alone 10 minutes for 800 meters.

The Olympic Club's Margery Meyer scored a world mark in the 800m free for women 80-84. Meyer, 80, touched in 29:35.03.

Jim McConica, Ventura, notched another global mark for himself when he cruised to a 17:27.75 performance in the 1500 meter freestyle for men 50-54.

SWIM Magazine had a successful day, with Fitness editor (and USMS Vice President) Scott Rabalais, 44, representing GAJA, showing just how fit he is. Rabalais took the 1500m for men 40-44 in a solid 18:20.93.

Bill Volckening, 36, USMS editor for the magazine, clocked 19:40.10, placing him fourth in the 35-39 age group.

Results: USMS LOng Course National Championships