Cash Prizes are Won and Lost on the First Night of the Speedo Grand Challenge

IRVINE, California. May 26. WITH cash on the line for professional swimmers, the Speedo Grand Challenge in Irvine showcased some fast swims with even closer races on Friday.

To start the evening off, the wheel was spun for the women's 200 I.M and landed on the $1000 prize token. The only eligible swimmer for that prize money was former Stanford stand-out Kristen Caverly. With only four swimmers allowed to swim in finals, the race was on. On the last length, 15 year-old Caitlin Leverenz (El Dorado) mustered up all she had to pass Caverly and claim first place taking away $1000 from her in 2:16.09. Caverly finished in 2:17.17. On the men's side, Tamas Kerekjarto (Trojan Swim Club) won in 2:03.33.

Emily Silver (Cal) and Kate Dwelley (Terrapins) went head-to-head in the women's 50 freestyle. Silver touched first in 26.47 to Dwelley's 26.85. Jason Lezak won the men's 50 in 22.75. Rolan Gimbutis (Cal) touched second in 22.95.

Money played a roll again in the women's 100 breaststroke where $500 was on the line. USA Superstars Jessica Hardy and Tara Kirk faced off once again for first place. In the end it was Kirk touching first in 1:07.89 breaking the meet record and earning an additional $100 for the event. Hardy touched at 1:08.41 after posting a swift 1:08.07 in prelims. Up-and-comer John Criste (NOVA) dominated the men's breaststroke by over two seconds touching the wall in a very respectable 1:04.36.

Kate Ziegler (Fish) had no problems winning the women's 400 freestyle. She touched the wall in a blistering 4:12.29 over 14-year-old teammate Chloe Sutton's 4:17.91.

Action resumes today at the William Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine California.

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