June 28, 2012

OMAHA, Neb. - Arguably the best medley swimmer in the United States, Caitlin Leverenz claimed her second Olympic berth on Thursday night by winning the 200-meter individual medley at the U.S. Olympic Trials at the CenturyLink Center. Leverenz clocked a time of 2:10.22 to defeat, among others, Elizabeth Pelton, who finished third. The incoming Cal freshman swam a time of 2:11.55 to miss out on an Olympic team spot.

Among the others that Leverenz defeated in the 200 IM were fifth-place Elizabeth Beisel (2:12.37) - who had beaten Leverenz in the 400 IM - and 200-IM world record holder Ariana Kukors, who was second (2:11.30).

USA Swimming confirmed that Leverenz, who took second place in the 400 IM on June 26, will also swim the 400 in London.

Like Pelton, Dana Vollmer was third in a Thursday night final - in the 200 freestyle. But the Cal alumna clinched her second Olympic team berth, as the top four swimmers in the 200 free qualify to swim the 800-free relay. Vollmer will also swim the 100 butterfly in London.

The Olympic Trials continue on Friday morning with preliminary heats in the following events: the women's 100 free, men's 200 backstroke, women's 200 breaststroke and men's 200 IM.