Krayzelburg Sets an American Record

Lenny Krayzelburg broke his American record in winning the 200-meter backstroke at the U.S. Championships on Wednesday.

Krayzelburg’s time of 1:57.38 broke the mark he set one year ago by almost a half of a second.

“I felt it was going to take an American record to win tonight,” said Krayzelburg, who was second after the preliminaries earlier in the day.

Krayzelburg was ahead of world record pace for the first 150 meters before slowing.

“I need to start working on my final 50,” he said.

Brad Bridgewater, who had the fastest qualifying time, finished second in the final.

Jenny Thompson, the five-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, won the 100 freestyle in 55.53. It was Thompson’s 19th individual national title.