SHANGHAI — Americans Dana Vollmer and Caitlin Leverenz were the fastest qualifiers in their events at the world championships today, with swimmers yet to produce a world record since high-tech suits were banned 1 1/2 years ago.
Vollmer got the U.S. women’s team off to a strong start by posting the fastest qualifying time in the 100-meter butterfly. She was timed in 56.97 seconds.
“I’m really excited about that,” Vollmer said. “I know my American record is 56.94, but that’s the fastest I’ve been since (the high-tech) suits and it felt great.”
Leverenz led the way in the 200 individual medley, with a time of 2 minutes, 11.01 seconds in her first world meet. Emerging Spanish talent Mirela Belmonte Garcia finished second in 2:11.38.
Defending champion Ariana Kukors of Team USA advanced to the semifinals in sixth place and 2009 silver medalist Stephanie Rice of Australia was eighth. American Cullen Jones finished 23rd in the 50-meter butterfly and didn’t advance.
