USC’s Krayzelburg Breaks U.S. Backstroke Record

Lenny Krayzelburg of USC set an American record in the 200-meter backstroke, winning in 1 minute 58.04 seconds Friday at the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships in Nashville.

Krayzelburg, 21, who was born in Ukraine and now lives in Studio City, beat teammate Brad Bridgewater, who won the 200 backstroke at the 1996 Olympics. Bridgewater was second in 1:59.40. The previous American record of 1:58.33 was set by Tripp Schwenk in 1995.

“I thought I could go a bit faster, but we went out a little too slow,” said Krayzelburg of himself and Bridgewater. “He usually goes out a little bit faster than me and I try to stay with him. I thought I could go 1:57, but that’s OK, I’ll take it.”

Chad Carvin of Laguna Hills scored his second victory of the meet, winning the 1,500 freestyle in 15:15.63. Amy Van Dyken, winner of four Olympic gold medals last summer at Atlanta, won the 50 freestyle in 25.10.

Misty Hyman of Phoenix won the 200 butterfly in 2:09.08. Finishing second was Kristine Quance of Northridge, in 2:09.85, a personal best by two seconds.