Santa Clara International: Erik Vendt, Kate Ziegler Top Distance Prelims
SANTA CLARA, California, May 15. WITH the specter of a TYR lawsuit hanging over his head, Erik Vendt focuses those worries into a meet-record in the men's 1500 freestyle during the first night of swimming at the Santa Clara International Invitational.
Vendt clocked a time of 14:54.89 to crush his former meet record of 15:11.80 set back in 2004 and put him in line to take a run at his U.S. Open record of 14:47.59 during the finale on Sunday.
Michael Klueh of Longhorn qualified second in 15:18.75, while Vendt's Club Wolverine teammate Tyler Clary touched third in 15:35.01.
Kate Ziegler of the Fish coasted in her 800 free qualifying swim with an 8:30.29 as she left plenty in the tank for the rest of the meet. Kylie Palmer of Australia qualified second in 8:32.63, while Alyssa Anderson of the Sierra Marlins finished third in 8:37.22.