Mark Maloney on Kentucky sports

BEIJING — Elaine Breeden did what was necessary in her first Olympic race Saturday, easily advancing to the semifinals of the women’s 100-meter butterfly.

Michael Phelps, chasing a possible eight gold medals, did more than necessary in his first race at the National Aquatics Center, nicknamed “The Water Cube.” He broke his own Olympic record in the men’s 400-meter individual medley.

Breeden, a graduate of Lexington’s Trinity Christian Academy, placed third in her heat and sixth overall in a field of 49.

Teammate Christine Magnuson won the heat in 57.70 seconds. Brazil’s Gabriella Silva touched the wall in 58 seconds flat. Then came Breeden in 58.06.

“It was really good. I was happy with the swim,” said Breeden, a Stanford University junior. “It was good to get one race under. It’s been a long process since (last month’s U.S. Olympic Team) Trials and, hopefully, there are more good ones to come.”

Australia’s Jessica Schipper led all qualifiers in 57.58. Magnuson’s time held up for second, tied with China’s Zhou Yafei. Defending Olympic champion Otylia Jedrzaejczak of Poland was 17th in 58.53.

Breeden said she was spurred by loud encouragement from her teammates, a distinct minority in the sold-out Cube.

“I’ve got those 40 other swimmers from America I’m swimming for,” she said. “And no matter how many people are in the stands, when I hear them cheering for me I get the same feeling.”

Breeden said her parents and two sisters also were on hand after arriving a day or so ago. “I haven’t been able to contact them yet,” she said, “but I know they’re up there.”

Semifinals are set for Sunday morning (Saturday night EDT), with finals Monday morning (Sunday night EDT).

Phelps blew away the field in the IM. His time of 4:07.82 beat the Olympic record he set four years ago, 4:08.26.

Hungary’s Laszio Cseh had the second-fastest qualifier, 4:09.26. Ryan Lochte of the U.S. won his heat in 4:10.33, ranking fourth overall.

“I’m pretty satisfied with the time,” Phelps said. “I didn’t think I’d swim that fast in the preliminaries.

“All I know is I wanted to be in the middle (lane) of the pool tomorrow.”

Team USA’s Larsen Jensen led 400-meter freestyle qualifiers (3:43.10). Teammate Peter Vanderkaay ranked sixth (3:44.22).

This entry was posted on August 9, 2008 at 8:38 am and is filed under Elaine Breeden, Kentucky, Lexington, Michael Phelps, Olympics, Swimming. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.