Dec. 5, 1997

Krayzelburg One Step Closer to World Championship Gold

USC senior Lenny Krayzelburg, on a quest to strike gold at the 1998 World Championships in January, took an impressive step toward that goal by winning the 200m back on Thursday (Dec. 4) at the U.S. Open Championships in Indianapolis, Ind.

Krayzelburg, the American record holder in the 200m back, set a U.S. Open record, winning in 1:59.20. Former USC swimmer and Olympic gold-medalist Brad Bridgewater finished second behind Krayzelburg. "I had it in my plans to go out and break the two-minute mark," Krayzelburg said. "I'm very pleased that I was able to do that." Krayzelburg wasn't the only Trojan to have success, though. The USC men's 800 free relay team of Josh Ilika, Philippe Demers, Bret Awbrey and Bela Szabados won in 7:37.62.

Recent USC alum and World Championship favorite Kristine Quance won the women's 100m breast (1:10.56) and took second in the women's 200m IM (2:16.01). Freshman Brittany White took eighth in the 200m IM (2:22.24). Junior Lindsay Benko took fourth in the women's 400m free (4:16.88) and teammate Kim Black took sixth (4:19.22). Senior Bela Szabados took sixth in the 400m free (4:00.67)