USA Swimming Nationals: Peter Vanderkaay Trumps Larsen Jensen, Michael Phelps in Men’s 400 Free

By John Lohn

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, August 2. WELL, call me wrong. Earlier today, I suggested that Michael Phelps would break the American record tonight in the 400 freestyle. Instead, Phelps couldn't get by his teammate with Club Wolverine. In control for the majority of the eight-lap affair, Peter Vanderkaay asserted himself in the latter half of the race and pulled away from the competition to win in 3:45.55.

Vanderkaay, a member of the world-record holding 800 free relay, had Phelps on his one side and Erik Vendt on the other side, but he was obviously in his own zone en route to the national title. Vanderkaay established a personal-best time and corralled a one-plus second triumph over Larsen Jensen, who was timed in 3:47.08. Jensen is the reigning Olympic silver medalist in the 1500 free.

Phelps was in fifth throughout the race and moved up toward the finish for the bronze medal in a time of 3:47.13, slightly off his personal best of 3:46.73. The event was one of two on the night for Phelps, who also had the final of the 100 butterfly. A day earlier, Phelps posted the third-fastest time in history in the 200 backstroke, scaring the world record.

Fourth place went to Great Britain's David Carry in 3:47.45 and Erik Vendt, best known in the 400 individual medley and 1500 free, turned in a personal-best effort of 3:47.53 for fifth place.

Click here to view event results PDF file.

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