FEDERAL WAY, Washington, August 6. JESSICA Hardy proved she's ready to return to the sport in a big way with a world record during time trials at the U.S. Open.
Hardy clocked a blazing fast 29.95 in the women's 50 breast to become the first woman under 30 seconds in the event. She erased Yuliya Efimova's global mark of 30.09 and Rebecca Soni's American record of 30.11. The swim was part of a 100 breast time trial of 1:10.57.
"Very very very happy to be back," Hardy told Swimming World. "I was really upset with my 100 free last night because my nerves got to me big time. I knew I had a better swim in me than that by a lot. I put more effort than I usually do, because I was nervous. I was afraid it would take me awhile to learn how to calm down my nerves. I am surprised that I was able to figure it out and do what I was capable of doing."
Here are the results from the heat:
1. Jessica Hardy 29.95 110.57 22 troj-ca
2. Liang Sarah 34.42 113.03 16 PASA-PC
3. *Kawanabe, fumiko 32.62-113.99 24 troj-CA/Itoma
4. Danny, Jordan 33.80 1:16.36 17 cany-ca
5. Kidron, Ella 34.24 -117.03 18 Troj-CA/Rose
6. Stelow, Cassandra 36.80-118.99 21 UW-WY
7. Ellis Larlye 34.63-1:20.71 19 TXLA-AT/U Tex