Schwenk Sets Standard

Tripp Schwenk set an American record in the 200-meter backstroke and former Olympians Mel Stewart and Summer Sanders lost their events at the Phillips 66 National Championships of swimming.

Schwenk, 24, who finished fifth in the event at the 1992 Olympics, won in 1 minute, 58.33 seconds. He broke the mark of 1:58.66 set by Royce Sharp at the ‘92 Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.

It was Schwenk’s first national title since 1989, when he won the same event.

Stewart, the American record-holder, led most of the way in the 200 butterfly only to get nipped by Ray Carey in the final 15 meters. The loss ended his streak of 12 straight titles in the event.

Competing in her third meet since coming out of retirement in April, Sanders never threatened in the 200 fly and wound up sixth in 2:14.27.