Sandeno Wins Again in National 400 IM

Kaitlin Sandeno, a junior at El Toro High School, won her third consecutive national title in the 400-meter individual medley Thursday, swimming a personal-best 4:42.74 at the National Swimming Championships in Federal Way, Wash.

Sandeno, swimming for the Nellie Gail Gators of Lake Forest, was third in the 800 freestyle and second in the 200 butterfly earlier in the meet.

“It’s been exciting placing in all three events at this meet,” said Sandeno, who finished ahead of Kristine Quance-Julian of Trojan Swim Club (second in 4:43.20) and Foxcatcher’s Maddy Crippen (third in 4:43.51).

“In the 400 IM, I was just trying to get to the wall first in the backstroke, because it’s my weakest stroke. In the last 50, I saw I was in range of Kristine and Maddy, so I knew if I dug deep and gave it all I have I could do it.”

Chad Carvin of Laguna Hills finished fourth in the 200 freestyle in 1:50.07. Josh Davis of Texas Aquatics won in 1:47.94, which approached Matt Biondi’s 1988 American record of 1:47.72. Berkeley Aquatics’ Scott Goldblatt was second in 1:49.36.

The Irvine Novaquatics took second in the women’s 400 freestyle relay; Courtney Cashion, Danielle DeAlva, Dianna MacManus and Jessica Hayes finished in 3:53.58.