Ziegler captures gold as Omaha Swimvitational opens

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

OMAHA, Nebraska (AFP) — World record-holder Kate Ziegler captured the first gold medal of the Mutual of Omaha Swimvitational Thursday in the women's 1,500m freestyle.

Ziegler clocked 16min 13.93 sec, well outside her world record of 15:42.54 but also comfortably in front of Emily Hanson (16:47.72).

Tom Koucheravy won the men's 800m free with a time of 8:06.31 in the only other event of the day.

The meet is the first to be held in the Qwest Center arena in Omaha, Nebraska, where the US Olymplic swimming trials will be held June 29-July 6.

A string of US swimming stars will sample the venue this week to prepare, including Michael PHelps, Amanda Beard, Katie Hoff, Gary Hall jnr, and Erik Vendt.

The meeting continues on Friday with men's and...