Krayzelburg Takes Control Again

Lenny Krayzelburg was only 8 years old, living in the former Soviet Union, when he watched the 1984 Olympics and thought about winning a medal. Over the years, the dream to become an Olympic champion only intensified.

But on his road to Sydney there have been some setbacks, including Friday’s disappointing loss in the 200-meter backstroke--his first defeat in his strongest event in more than two years.

However, Sunday night he bounced back to win the 100-meter backstroke in 54.60 at the Janet Evans Invitational at USC.

“It was a good solid time for me, especially coming off Friday,” Krayzelburg said. “The goal today was to come back strong and forget about the 100. Not show my competitors that I have a weak spot in my training and to reinforce the fact that I’m still at where I need to be.”

Krayzelburg, a Ukrainian-born American, said he knows many expect him to medal at the Sydney Olympics. He has set many records, including at the Pan Pacific championships in Sydney last August, when he broke all three backstroke world records--in the 50, 100 and 200 meters.

But Krayzelburg said records are not what will define his career.

“I’ve accomplished a lot,” he said. “I’ve broken a lot of records. But all records don’t matter because I’ll be disappointed if I don’t win three [Olympic] gold medals. But I’m trying not to let pressure get to me.”

Krayzelburg said the win over Bart Kizierowski of Mission Viejo, who came in second at 56:09, was a confidence booster, but acknowledged that he’s still confused about where he’s at.

“I’ve had mixed feelings because of my results these past couple of days,” he said. “I had a disappointing 200 and a good 100. But I think, it’s just a matter of properly figuring out what I’m going to do [before the Olympic trials]. I’m not too worried though, I’ll just rest.”

B.J. Bedford, 27, of Colorado, a winner of five national titles in the 100-meter backstroke who quit the sport for sixth months, won the 100 backstroke Sunday in 1:01.99.

“I came back because I decided I wasn’t done yet,” Bedford said. “I felt I still had a chance at the Olympics. It seems so much more real now. I’m swimming really well now.”

Jenny Thompson broke a second meet record by winning the 100 butterfly in 58.48, over two Stanford club teammates--Dara Torres, who was second at 58.91, and Misty Hyman, third at 59.28.