Larsen Jensen Opens Janet Evans Invitational With Meet Record, Alyssa Anderson Nets Other Gold

LOS ANGELES, California, July 12. LARSEN Jensen went off in the men's 800 freestyle at the Janet Evans Invitational to start the long course meter meet off right.

Jensen, who owns the American record with a time of 7:45.63 set in Montreal in 2005, dropped the meet record of 7:54.47 set by Australia's Craig Stevens in 2004 with a time of 7:53.92. That effort stands as the 10th-fastest in the world this year.

Even though Jensen led wire-to-wire, Mission Viejo's Chad La Tourette gave him something to think about throughout the race before Jensen pulled away down the stretch. La Tourette, who will be Jensen's teammate at Mission Viejo soon as they both train for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, wound up second in 7:55.52.

Matt Biel of Tucson Ford Aquatics placed third in 8:13.39 to complete the podium.

"It was probably my best in-season that time I can recall – meet record, can't complain with that," said Jensen. "I took some time off after World Championships and allowed myself to get a bit out of shape, I guess you could say. I graduated with my class and enjoyed seeing my friends for the last time in a college environment."

Alyssa Anderson, 16, who represents the Sierra Marlins Swim Team, won the women's 800 free by more than a second with a time of 8:45.76.

"I'm not actually tapered for this meet, and so it wasn't my best time, but it was a pretty good swim," said Anderson. "We've been training through this meet, and soon we'll start to taper and be rested at nationals."

Ashley Chandler of California Aquatics finished second in 8:47.09, while Haley Anderson, Alyssa's younger sister, placed third in 8:51.72.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use