World record holders Brendan Hansen and Kate Ziegler got off to a great start at US nationals in Indianapolis and so did Michael Phelps, it might be argued, though the world's most versatile swimmer found himself in a very rare place indeed: clocking a best time but not able to progress to a final.

Phelps, who will take the plunge at the Indiana University Natatorium pool up to 17 times over five days, clocked 2:15.81 in heats of the 200m breaststroke, for 11th place half a second outside the final. Imagine that in your own country: 11th on a 2:15. Hansen led the way in the final with a powerful 2:09.91, just shy of Kosuke Kirajima's world No1 ranking. Behind Hansen, Eric Shanteau on 2:10.65, with third going to Ireland's Andrew Bree, training at Tennessee Aquatics, on 2:13.15 (not 2:14 as reported earlier on a release from the championships), inside the time he needs to be considered for Olympic selection next year.

World champion Ziegler, having raced inside Janet Evan's 1500m world record from 1988 in June, was good for an 8:22.33 800m freestyle victory but found herself pressed every inch of the way by Katie Hoff, who took the second spot in a tremendous 8:22.80.

"After I broke the world record in 1,500 metres I think a lot of people expect me to do it every time I swim," Ziegler told poolside reporters. "But I just try to do my best."

Rebecca Soni was an easy winner in the women's 200 breaststroke, taking the crown in a very sharp meet record of 2:23.62 ahead of PanAms champion Caitlin Leverenz, on 2:25.78. "I was hoping to have a best time, Soni said through USA Swimming. "That was it, so I am happy with it. I felt really good. I was struggling to finish the final 50 meteres. I was pushing for [the American record]. It is definitely a goal."e; Former Olympic champion Megan Jendrick (nee Quann) took third on 2:27.82.

Two-time Olympian and double silver medallist Erik Vendt champion defended his crown over 30 laps in 14:57.01, another meet record and his fastest since 2000. "I love this pool," Vendt said through USA Swimming. "e;I've only swum one meet here, but it has a lot of history, a lot of mystique. I come out here and see my name on the wall - great memories."

Olympic and world silver medallist Larsen Jensen clocked 15:13.94 for second, with Chip Peterson third in 15:19.49.

Davis Tarwater claimed the 200m butterfly crown in Phelps's absence, in 1:56.03, and the women's equivalent went to 17-year-old Kathleen Hersey, who followed up four golds at the Panamerican Games with a 2:07.19 win over 200m butterfly. Mary Descenza followed up with a 2:07.84, ahead of Kim Vandenberg, on 2:08.19.