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Omaha, Nebraska: Margaret Hoelzer has set the ninth world record of the US Olympic swimming trials, winning the 200-metre backstroke in 2 minutes, 6.09 seconds.
The 25-year-old got a great surge off the wall heading into her third lap, then closed strong to beat the record of 2:06.39 set by Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry in February.
Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Beisel, a rising star in American swimming, rallied to take the second berth on the US Olympic team in 2:06.92.
Hayley McGregory finished third again, matching her finish in the 100 back and denying her a place on the team.
Meanwhile, Lara Jackson notched a national record in the women's 50m free heats.
Jackson, 21, clocked 24.50sec to lead Jessica Hardy (24.63) and surprise 100m free winner Dara Torres (24.72) into the semi-finals.
"I'm in shock, I just wanted to make semis," said Jackson. "That was my best time, I can't complain about that.
"I'm just excited to come back and do it again.
"Dara says it's all about racing and she's right on with that. My goal is the finals and to make the team."
Back again
Torres, 41, secured a berth in an astonishing fifth Olympics with her unexpected triumph in the 100m on Friday. She has said she might forego the 100m individual event, if she gets a shot at her preferred 50m free in China.
A weary Torres, who lit up the Qwest Centre with an inspiring win in the 100m free to qualify for her fifth Olympics on Friday, was back in the pool just over 12 hours later and advanced with the third best time of 24.72 seconds.
Swimming's most chaotic 22 seconds will be centrestage with the men's 50 free. World champion Ben Wildman-Tobriner qualified fastest for the final in 21.65, ahead of Cullen Jones in 21.71, slower than the American record he set in the prelims.
"I think there's a lot more in the tank," he said.
Also qualifying under 22 seconds were Garrett Weber-Gale, Gary Hall Jr, and Nick Brunelli.
At 33, Hall wants a chance to defend the sprint title he's won at the last two Olympics. He'll be challenged by 32-year-old Jason Lezak.
Those two can take some encouragement from Dara Torres, who's going to her record fifth Olympics at 41 and with a two-year-old daughter. Torres won the 100 free in 53.78, beating out Natalie Coughlin's 53.83.
"I'm ecstatic. I can't believe it," Torres said.
Overshadowed
Overshadowed by Phelps and Torres, Aaron Peirsol tied the world record in the 200 backstroke by beating rival Ryan Lochte, who made the Olympic team despite not winning an individual event at trials.
Peirsol shares the world record with Lochte. "It's weird sharing it, but I have no problems with that," he said.
Another familiar face will be in the pool in China.
Amanda Beard clinched her fourth Olympic berth by finishing second to runaway winner Rebecca Soni in the 200 breaststroke.
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