USA Swimming Long Course Nationals: Ashley Steenvoorden Wins 400 Free Crown

For full Swimming World coverage of the entire 2011 USA Swimming Long Course Nationals, including all videos and recaps, visit our Event Landing Page.

PALO ALTO, California, August 2. ASHLEY Steenvoorden, of Minnesota, claimed her first national title with a winning effort in the women's 400 free at the USA Swimming Long Course Nationals.

Steenvoorden turned on the jets early enough to hold off a hard-charging Chloe Sutton of Mission Viejo, 4:07.63 to 4:08.52. That effort pushed Steenvoorden to 18th in the world rankings. Sutton, meanwhile, finished well off her season best of 4:06.04 that made her 11th in the world, and the top in the U.S. Sutton is one of four returning World Championship competitors in this finale.

Bluefish's Elizabeth Beisel completed an impressive double. After winning the women's 200 IM earlier in the evening, Beisel returned in the middle distance freestyle to take bronze with a 4:09.25. NBAC's Allison Schmitt, another world championship competitor, took fourth in 4:09.43.

Gillian Ryan (4:09.51), Pleasanton's Catherine Breed (4:09.57), Tucson Ford's Alyssa Anderson (4:09.83), Trojan's Haley Anderson (4:10.29), NOVA's Rachel Naurath (4:13.57) and Dagny Knutson (4:14.93) comprised the rest of the championship field.

SwimAtlanta's Amber McDermott grabbed the B final win with a 4:08.93, while Gator's Jamie Bohunicky clocked a 4:14.14 for the C final victory.

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