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OMAHA, Nebraska, June 7. MICHAEL Phelps completed a strong USA Swimming Grand Prix series with a blazing fast time in the 100 back as he cashed a $20,000 check for the overall title at the Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational.
Caitlin Leverenz started the night with a strong time of 4:38.81 in the women's 400 IM. She held off medley vet Kaitlin Sandeno, who finished second in 4:45.57. Justine Mueller, meanwhile, placed third in 4:49.37.
Erik Vendt threw down a swift time in the men's 400 IM with a time of 4:14.99. That is the sixth best in the world this year, just ahead of Robert Margalis' 4:15.05. Alex Vanderkaay clocked a second-place time of 4:21.58, while Tyler Clary wound up third in 4:24.98 for a top three sweep for Club Wolverine.
Megan Jendrick posted one of the top 10 times in the world this year with a winning effort of 1:07.41 in the 100 breast. Jillian Tyler took second in 1:08.86, while Amanda Beard bounced back from a DQ in the 200 yesterday to take bronze in the 100 with a time of 1:09.27.
Henrique Barbosa topped the men's 100 breast in 1:01.40, while Eric Shanteau took second in 1:02.13. Jon Roberts rounded out the podium in 1:03.29.
Allison Schmitt vaulted into the top 10 in the world this year in the women's 200 free with a quick time of 1:57.48. Kim Vandenberg placed second in the race with a 1:59.52, while Ariana Kukors took third in 1:59.68.
Peter Vanderkaay, who already is the third best in the world this year with a 1:46.24 in Santa Clara, finished just off that pace in the men's 200 free with a time of 1:46.45. Dan Madwed earned second in 1:48.84, while Jean Basson placed third in 1:48.92.
Margaret Hoelzer took a run at the minute barrier in the women's 100 back, but finished just short with a time of 1:00.38. Kate Zubkova clocked a strong second-place time of 1:00.86, while Katie Hoff placed third in 1:01.86.
Michael Phelps clinched the $20,000 check for the USA Swimming Grand Prix series overall title when he topped the 100 back in 53.42. Phelps went out like a rocket with a 26.20 first 50, while bringing it home in 27.22. Phelps' time made him the second-fastest in the world this year behind Helge Meeuw's 53.10. David Plummer took second in 54.82, while Matt Grevers finished third in 55.04.
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