Hansen sets world record at US swim trials
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-07-09 09:32

Jenny Thompson wasn't ready to give up swimming. Now, she'll likely finish her brilliant career at the Olympics.

Jenny Thompson swims during the 100 meter butterfly final at the US Olympic Swimming Trials in Long Beach, California, July 8, 2004. Thompson came second with a time of 58.98 seconds, and qualified for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece with race winner Rachel Komisarz. [Reuters]

Thompson finished second in the 100-meter butterfly at the US Olympic trials on Thursday, which should be good enough to get the 31-year-old, 10-time medalist to the Athens Games.

For the second night in a row, the temporary pool next to Long Beach harbor produced a world record. Brendan Hansen broke the mark in the 100-meter breaststroke, dominating the field with a time of 59.30 seconds.

Brendan Hansen records the fastest time 1:00.83 in the 100-meter breaststroke at the US Olympic swim trials in Long Beach, California Wednesday,July 7, 2004. [AP]

The expected duel with Ed Moses never materialized. The Sydney silver medalist missed a spot on the team by finishing sixth, nearly 3 seconds behind Hansen.

The top two in each event are expected to make the team. That bodes well for Thompson, who put off her medical career to go for a fourth trip to the Olympics. Rachel Komisarz touched the wall first in 58.77, while Thompson held on for second at 58.98.

Brendan Hansen swims to win the 100 meter breaststroke final and set a world record with a time of 59.30 seconds at the US Olympic Swimming Trials in Long Beach, California, July 8, 2004. [Reuters]

She barely nipped Demerae Christianson, who was 0.11 seconds behind in third.

Thompson still has some unfinished business, despite winning more medals than any female Olympian. She's never won an individual gold medal, accumulating all her wins in relays.

Hansen, who broke the American record he shared with Moses in the semifinals, went even faster in the final. He easily eclipsed the record of 59.78 set by Japan's Kosuke Kitajima at last year's world championships.

When Hansen saw the time, he slapped the water with his right hand and shook his head in disbelief.

Brendan Hansen celebrates after winning the 100 meter breaststroke final at the US Olympic Swimming Trials in Long Beach, California, July 8, 2004. [Reuters]

This was redemption for the gut-wrenching disappointment of the 2000 trials, when Hansen finished third in the 100 and 200 breaststrokes — just missing the team in both events.

Moses, who has struggled with injuries since Sydney, was never a factor. He touched the wall, looked at the scoreboard and shook his head. He actually went slower than he did in the semis.

Michael Phelps cruised into Friday's final of the 200 freestyle, his second of six events at the trials. He set a world record in the 400 individual medley on the opening night of the trials.

Phelps hopes to break Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals — relays included — at the Athens Games.

Another top American, Natalie Coughlin, was the fastest qualifier in the semifinals of the 100 backstroke.

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