Jensen, Vanderkaay Leads Three Men Under 3:44
2008-06-29
Adam Sioui
Omaha Day 1, finals: as three Americans race inside 3:44, Erik Vendt gets locked out - for now

2004 Olympians Larsen Jensen and Peter Vanderkaay booked their flights to Beijing in a few weeks as both were under Vanderkaay's 400 freestyle American record.

Klete Keller took the race out fast, and was leading at the 100 metre mark, but was soon overcome by both Vanderkaay and Jensen. Jensen, who came 4th in this event in Athens, took control after 200 metres and held on for the win.

For the last half of the race it was a three man race, with Jensen, Vanderkaay and two-time Olympian Erik Vendt fighting for the two spots. Vendt ran out of room however, finishing two tenths behind second place finisher Vanderkaay. Here are the splits:

Jensen: 26.46; 54.67 (28.21); 1:22.93 (28.26); 1:51.14 (28.21); 2:19.31 (28.17); 2:47.52 (28.21); 3:15.86 (28.34); 3:43.53 (27.67)

Vanderkaay: 26.04; 54.50 (28.46); 1:22.91 (28.41); 1:51.46 (28.55); 2:19.84 (28.38); 2:48.27 (28.43); 3:16.00 (27.73); 3:43.73 (27.73)

Vendt: 26.37; 54.57 (28.20); 1:23.20 (28.63); 1:51.64 (28.44); 2:20.11 (28.47); 2:48.43 (28.32); 3:16.49 (28.06); 3:43.92 (27.43)