Swimming : East Germany’s Dirk Richter Sets Record in 100-Meter Backstroke

Dirk Richter of East Germany set a record in the men’s 100-meter backstroke Thursday night to highlight the opening day of the United States Swimming International.

The four-day meet marks the first time swimmers from several Communist-bloc countries, including the Soviet Union and East Germany, have competed against the United States. East Germany and the Soviet Union were among countries that boycotted the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Only East Germany and the United States had swimmers post victories in the 10 finals held Thursday at the University of Arkansas.

East Germans won seven events, while the U.S. team took two others. The Arkansas men’s 200-meter freestyle relay team had the other victory.

Richter was timed in 54.34 seconds to lower the world’s best in the 100-meter backstroke. His time is also a U.S. open record and a meet record.

World records cannot be set in the meet because it is being held in a 25-meter pool. Only times recorded in 50-meter pools can be listed as world records.

Bengt Baron of Sweden, who finished sixth behind Richter, had the previous world’s best time of 54.55 set in 1981.

Rick Carey of the United States set the U.S. Open, American and meet records in 1981, but he missed this year’s competition because of a back injury.