Ex-Trojan Krayzelburg Breaks World Record in 100 Backstroke

When American Jeff Rouse broke the world 100-meter backstroke record in 1992, Lenny Krayzelburg was a 17-year-old Russian migrant trying to start a promising swimming career.

On Tuesday, Krayzelburg, the former USC swimmer, broke Rouse’s world mark at the Pan Pacific championships.

But the 23-year-old Californian was overshadowed by Australian Ian Thorpe, who broke his third world record in three days.

Thorpe, 16, lowered his mark in the men’s 200 freestyle to 1:46.0.

“The world record was my goal coming into the meet, but I was surprised it was so fast,” Krayzelburg said after his 53.60-second performance broke the mark of 53.86 that Rouse set at the Barcelona Olympics.

Krayzelburg, who began swimming when he was 5 with the Red Army club at his home in Odessa, came to the United States with his family in 1989 and became an American citizen in 1995.

He said he may return on the winner’s podium Friday night when he goes after Spanish swimmer Martin Lopez-Zubero’s 8-year-old record of 1:56.57 in the 200 backstroke.

“I think I can do it again,” Krayzelburg said. “The 200 has always been my favorite, so I’m feeling pretty confident.”