Ziegler, Phelps Set American Records at World Cup

EAST MEADOW, New York, February 3. LESS than a week ago, Kate Ziegler was racing at the National Catholic Championships, a high school competition held at Villanova University. Friday night, she came within an eyelash of establishing the first world record of her career.

Representing The Fish, where she’s coached by Ray Benecki, Ziegler set an American record in the 800-meter freestyle during the New York stop on the FINA World Cup circuit. The teenager from Virginia clocked 8:12.19, just off the global standard of France’s Laure Manaudou (8:11.25). Ziegler’s swim is the second-fastest in history and an indication that the reigning world champ in the 800 and 1,500 freestyles is ready to attack the long-standing global standards of Janet Evans.

Ziegler, though, wasn’t the only American-record setter at the Nassau County Aquatic Center, as Michael Phelps was sensational in his two events. The eight-time Olympic medalist touched the wall in 4:03.99 in the 400 individual medley, under the old record of Ryan Lochte (4:04.52). For good measure, Phelps went out and won the 100 I.M. in come-from-behind fashion, touching in 53.21.

“I honestly had no idea I was going that fast, so to get the American record is actually surprising,” said Phelps, who will contest the 200 I.M. and 200 free on Saturday. “To be in the water and racing against some great competition is a nice change. I’m starting to feel like my old self again.”

In a field dotted with Olympic flavor, both American and international, the United States enjoyed a spectacular evening on its home turf. More impressive, there was a quality blend of experience and youth on display, a positive development for the future.

After finishing second to the Ukraine’s Oleg Lisogor in the 50 breaststroke, Brendan Hansen roared to victory in the 200 distance with a time of 2:08.35, more than a second clear of the 2:09.48 registered by Olympic teammate Scott Usher. Meanwhile, Neil Walker blasted through the 100 freestyle for an upset of world champion Filippo Magnini. Walker checked in at 47.50, ahead of 47.81 of the Italian.

In the women’s 100 breast, a sensational battle materialized between Tara Kirk and Megan Jendrick. Kirk, who recently won seven titles during the European leg of the World Cup, won the race in 1:05.29 while Jendrick, the 2000 Olympic champ, was timed in 1:06.17. The Americans were also dominant in the backstroke events as Randall Bal (50.92) and Peter Marshall (51.40) went one-two in the 100 distance for the men. On the women’s side, Caitlin Andrew won the 50 back (27.84) with Margaret Hoelzer taking the 200 win in 2:05.98.

Teenager Ariana Kukors was the victor in the women’s 200 individual medley with a time of 2:09.84 and also placed second in the back. Julia Smit, another teen, was second to Kukors in the I.M. and second to Hoelzer in the 200 back. Rachel Komisarz mined gold in the 100 fly with a mark of 58.33.

Therese Alshammar (50 free) and Josefin Lillhage (200 free) picked up triumphs for Sweden and Massi Rosolino supplied Italy with a gold-medal performance in the 400 free (3:39.55). Japan’s Kohei Kawamoto won the 50 fly (23.37) and China’s Wu Peng prevailed in the 200 fly (1:54.24).

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