Krayzelburg at Least Gets One Mark

Lenny Krayzelburg was in familiar position when he made the final turn in the 200-meter backstroke at the sixth annual Janet Evans Invitational Friday at USC McDonald’s Swim Stadium.

Like most of his races over the last year, the former USC standout had more than a body-length lead coming down the stretch as he chased the world record of 1:56.57, held by Martin Zubero of Spain.

With the crowd cheering him on, Krayzelburg fell short of the mark but his time of 1:57.68 was good enough to break his meet record by over two seconds.

Krayzelburg, the American record holder in the event, was not disappointed with his effort after recording a 1:58.2 in his previous meet nearly a month ago. With the U.S. Summer Nationals and Pan Pacific Championships next month, Krayzelburg is confident about breaking the world record.

“My goal was to go 1:58 [in the Evans Invitational],” said Krayzelburg, whose personal best of 1:56.95 came earlier this year. “Usually when I set a goal during the season, I try to improve with each meet.

“I’ve kind of gotten used [to swimming without close competition]. My goal is to break the world record and if I do that it will be pretty much just be me. I’m racing against the time more than anything else.”

Ryk Neethling of Hillenbrand (Ariz.) became the meet’s first double winner when he defeated friend and rival Chad Carvin of Mission Viejo in the 400 freestyle. Neethling, who won the 800 freestyle Thursday, set his second meet record with a time of 3:52.62, Carvin finishing second in 3:52.69.

Olympic gold medalist Jenny Thompson kicked off her busy weekend by establishing a meet record in the 100 freestyle with a time of 55.51 seconds. Thompson, who swam for Stanford, easily defeated Ashley Tappin of Irvine Novaquatics and Joscelin Yeo of California.

Lindsay Benko, who finished third in Thursday’s women’s 800 freestyle, bounced back with a strong victory in the 400 freestyle with a time of 4:14.02. Kaitlin Sandeno, who attends El Toro High and won the 800, finished second at 4:14.18.

“I felt much better because it wasn’t as hot,” said Benko, who completed her career at USC this past season. “I’m way ahead of where I was at this point last year. This is a great encouragement.”

Other winners Friday included: Jason Lezak of Irvine Novaquatics, who won the 100 freestyle in 50.75 seconds, edging Francisco Sanchez of Arizona Sun Devils, who finished second at 51.07; Shamek Pietucha of University of Calgary, who won the men’s 200 butterfly in 1:58.98; Misty Hyman of Arizona Desert Fox, who defeated Jessica Deglau of Pacific Dolphins in the women’s 200 butterfly, in 2:10.42; and Kelly Stefanyshyn of Pacific Dolphins, who edged Hyman in the women’s 200 backstroke, 2:14.66 to 2:15.56.