Texas Senior Circuit: Hayley McGregory Scares 50 Back World Record, Breaks Own American Record VIDEO INCLUDED

AUSTIN, Texas, June 7. HAYLEY McGregory nearly grabbed the 50 back world record for the second time in Austin, Texas, after first setting the record at the All-American meet in March. McGregory, however, came up just a bit short tonight at the Texas Senior Circuit meet, while Sophie Edington and Emily Seebohm have both dipped under McGregory's previous global standard in the past few months. McGregory's newest swim stands as the American record.

Kirsty Coventry of Longhorn opened the third night of swimming with some fireworks when she hit the wall in 1:57.04 in the women's 200 free. That performance is the sixth fastest in the world this year, behind Linda Mackenzie's 1:56.99. Christine Marshall of Aggie Swimming finished second in 1:58.36, while Longhorn Jessica Rodriquez touched third in 2:00.93.

Longhorn claimed the men's 200 free crown as well with Michael Klueh clocking a time of 1:47.45. He touched out Jayme Cramer, who finished second in 1:47.65. Cramer led at the 150 with a 1:20.25, but Klueh dropped a 26.82 final 50. Longhorn Ricky Berens took third in 1:48.74.

In the women's 100 breast, Elizabeth Tinnon dominated the race with a time of 1:08.65. Alia Atkinson of the Comets finished second in 1:12.06, while Alexi Spann of Longhorn placed third in 1:12.47.

The tough thing about being so dominant in a specific stroke, like world-record holder Brendan Hansen, is that anytime you take a loss ?” it's always an upset. A few months ago, Eric Shanteau picked up a pair of wins on Hansen. This weekend, teammate Scott Spann did the same. Spann won the men's 100 breast in 1:01.18 over Hansen, who finished second in 1:01.48. The true test will be in Omaha at the U.S. Olympic Trials as the world gets to see which Hansen will show up. Matthew Lowe, also of Longhorn, placed third in 1:03.12.

Hayley McGregory, who is emerging as a backstroke threat for an Olympic roster spot, won the 200 back going away in 2:10.25. Longhorn teammate Elizabeth Wycliffe finished second in 2:12.59, while Mustangs' Meredith Monroe touched third in 2:15.93.

Aaron Peirsol then popped a big time in the 200 back with a sterling effort of 1:56.37. He smoked the field, which included second-place Matt Thompson of Mustangs (2:01.35) and David Cromwell of Longhorn (2:01.51).

In the 100 fly, Martina Moravcova of Mustangs raced to a win in 58.81. Carol Colorado of Columbia followed in second with a time of 1:00.17, while Longhorn Tanica Jamison finished third in 1:00.26.

With Michael Phelps throwing down a 51.04 in the men's 100 fly up in Omaha, Ian Crocker of Longhorn tried to answer with a time of 51.75, a swift time. Cramer finished second again with a time of 53.63, while Longhorn Hill Taylor took third in 54.34.

Coventry grabbed her second victory of the night with a winning time of 4:47.43 in the women's 400 IM. Longhorn teammate Rodriquez touched second in 4:49.22, while Mustang Maroua Mathlouthi placed third in 4:56.03.

In the men's 400 IM, Clint Hallum of Mustangs posted a commanding win in 4:30.63. Colin Hanna of Terrapin and Daniel Hasler of Carmel had a battle for second with Hanna winning 4:34.07 to 4:34.16.

McGregory took a run at the Edington's world record in the women's 50 back of 27.67 set back in March. McGregory, however, settled for the win in 27.80 to become the third swimmer under 28, joining Edington and Seebohm (27.95) under the barrier. McGregory is now the second-fastest swimmer in the event. Petra Klosova of Mustangs took second in 29.96, while Triin Aljand finished third in 30.49.

Mustangs wound up 1-2 in the men's 50 back with Pontus Renholm winning in 25.57, while Jon Berrettini finished second in 26.34. Steve Wood of Fort Worth placed third in 28.08.

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