Popovich, Zorn Set World Records on First Day of US Paralympic Trials

By Julie O'Neill

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., April 22. DAY ONE of the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Trials saw three World Records set as well as numerous American and PanAmerican Records.

Erin Popovich, a current U.S. Paralympics Elite Team member, swam to two world marks in the finals session tonight. Competing in the S7 Women's classification, she broke the world standard in the 50 meter butterfly with a time of 38.16. One event later she set the world mark in the 50 meter freestyle finishing in 34.42. Popovich was a member of the USA team that competed in the Sydney Paralympic Games where she won 3 gold and 2 silver medals.

The third world mark of the day was set in the 50 meter backstroke S12 Women's classification by Paralympic veteran Trischa Zorn during the lead-off of the women's 100 meter backstroke event. Zorn's time (33.62) eclipsed the previous record by over 2 seconds.

Other notable swims included Pan American records by U.S. Paralympics Elite Team members Lantz Lamback in the S7 Men's 50 meter freestyle and Jarrett Perry in the S9 Men's 100 meter backstroke.

Competition continues through Saturday at the University of Minnesota's Dorothy L. Sheppard Natatorium. The meet serves as the selection event for the 2004 USA Paralympic Swimming Team that will compete in Athens.

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