The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
USA Swimming Olympic Trials
Weber-Gale sets new American record in 100m freestyle at U.S. Olympic Trials
07.02.2008 | Men's Swimming and Diving
OMAHA, Neb. -- Texas-Ex Garrett Weber-Gale clocked 47.78 in the 100-meter freestyle to set a new American record during the day four preliminary round Wednesday at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials-Swimming at Qwest Center Omaha.
Jason Lezak had broken his own American record in the 100 freestyle just prior to Weber-Gale's swim, as Lezak topped his previous American standard with a 48.15 in the previous heat. Weber-Gale (2004-07) clocked 23.03 in his first 50 meters before finishing in 24.75 to take the American record for himself in 47.78.
Weber-Gale's mark withstood a challenge from Michael Phelps, who also dipped below the previous American record in 47.92. Weber-Gale takes the top seed in this evening's semifinals. Joining Weber-Gale in the semifinals will be new Olympian and rising UT junior Dave Walters, who took 11th in the 100 freestyle prelims in 49.04. Texas-Ex Neil Walker and UT senior Matt McGinnis took 14th in 49.28. New Olympian Ricky Berens just missed out on the semifinals after taking 17th in 49.42.
Brendan Hansen landed the top seed in this evening's 200 breaststroke prelims after clocking 2:11.29. UT junior Scott Spann took third in 2:11.88, and senior Agustin Magruder punched his ticket to the semifinals with a 13th-place effort of 2:15.15. UT signee Eric Friedland will join them in the semifinals after taking 16th in 2:15.81.
