Tonight showcased the two most competitive events at the Trials: The men's 100 back and the women's 100 breast. The races did not disappoint, while Phelps picked up his second Olympic spot in the 200 free.

Men's 200 Free Finals

Michael Phelps (CW) crushed the competition by a body-length, but was just off his world record, winning in 1:44.10. 'Training with the guys I train with we put 3 guys on that relay tonight,' said Phelps. 'Just being able to have them with you everyday makes it fun and interesting.' Phelps' teammates Peter Vanderkaay and Erik Vendt finished 2nd and 6th, so Vendt should qualify for his third Olympic Games as a relay alternate. 'I heard the crowd off every wall, so thank you,' said Phelps to the 12,000 plus cheering fans. 'Everyone here is seeing the 4 fastest guys in the world for the relay, and it is an honor to be a part of it.'

Silver went to Peter Vanderkaay (who was wearing the Speedo FS-PRO, not the LZR), who was 3rd in 2004. 'I wanted to go out fast, it was a different strategy, but it worked out,' said Vanderkaay who earned the individual event berth with his 1:45.85. Ryan Lochte (DBS) scratched to save himself for the 100 back, however his time from semis would have placed him second tonight.

Women's 100 Back Finals

Out in 28.45 Natalie Coughlin (CAL) never put her win in doubt, leading from start to finish and killing it off the wall. Her win, a new world record of 58.97, also makes her the first woman under 59. In for silver, and relegating Haley McGregory to 3rd place again, was Margaret Hoelzer (KING) in a best time of 59.21 over McGregory's 59.42. 'I really wasn't trying to make any sort of statement; it feels so good to be on the team!; said Coughlin with a sigh of relief. "e;I have a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and it feels so good to be on the team. I couldn't be any happier for Margaret Hoelzer, she is my backstroke buddy and I am so happy for her. I have a long road [before defending the Olympic title], but going a 58 gives me a lot of confidence. I will just keep working on the things that have helped me improve.'

After the event and running to her semi-final race in the 200IM Coughlin continued, 'I wasn't trying to think about the field, I just wanted to get first or second. Now a big weight has been lifted off me and I can just enjoy the rest of the meet.'

Men's 100 Back Finals

With the top 5 men qualifying faster than what it took to win this event at the last Olympic Trials, it wasn't surprising that this would be the most competitive event in the men's program. Randall Bal was 3rd in 2000 and 4th in 2004. He went undefeated this season on the World Cup Circuit and won over $100,000. Unfortunately, it was not to be. He tied up in the last few strokes to touch fourth in 53.45.

The win went to Aaron Peirsol (LAST) in a new world record of 52.89, followed by Matt Grevers (FORD) who got his hand on the wall just ahead of Ryan Lochte (DBS) 53.19 to 53.37. 'I knew that to compete with those guys I had to take it out and hold on as best as I can. Not every 100 hurts like that...I'm glad I pulled it off. Putting your hand on the wall 1st or 2nd is the most important, when you look at Ryan's time he would probably get second or third at the Olympics.' Until this morning, Peirsol wasn't even shaved down: 'I just took it step by step and did what I had to do to put myself in the position I was in tonight. It took what I did [a new world record] just to make the team. In '04, 6th would have won the gold, it is amazing depth.'

Women's 100 Breast Finals

Jessica Hardy (TROJ) swam like the American record holder she is, taking it out in 30.53 and winning in 1:06.87-well ahead of the field. While she faded in the last 25, it was good enough for the win and her first trip to the Olympic Games. 'I had to calm myself down, the nerves ate at me last night,' said Hardy. 'I had a good day today and swam better tonight.'

Second spot went to Olympic veteran from 2000, Megan Jendrick (nee Quann) (KING). She whipped her hands over on the last stroke to hit the wall second, just 1 1/100th ahead of 2004 Olympian Tara Kirk (STAN) 1:07.50 to 1:07.51. Jendrick was married in '04, the year she missed her second Games, making her comeback all the sweeter. 'My husband has been a big part of getting me to the Olympics again,'; said Jendrick, 'So me making it is kind of like him making it too.' When pressed about her previous statement that she'd not only make the team, but win gold in Beijing, she replied, 'No one goes to the Olympics expecting anything but the gold so that is definitely my goal.'

Women's 200 Free Semi-Finals

In 2004, Dana Vollmer (CAL) won this event in 1:59.20. That time would have got her 6th in the first semi-final and out of the final. This time, Vollmer finished 3rd in her semi, with the win going to Allison Schmitt (CW), the 17 year old high schooler who trains with Bob Bowman. Her training partners: Michael Phelps, Peter Vanderkaay, Eric Vendt...you get the idea. Her 1:57.92 was yet another lifetime best and sets her up for a real chance at an Olympic berth tomorrow night.

In the second semi-final Katie Hoff (NBAC) started the night with a 1:57.10, finishing a full body length ahead of the rest of the field. Caroline Burckle (LAKE) was second in 1:58.50.

Men's 200 Fly Semi-Finals

Fourth spot is better than third at the US Olympic Trials, but Davis Tarwater (CW), who was fourth in this event in 2004, would prefer first or second this time around. After a time in heats that was over 2.5 seconds faster than his final time from '04, his semi tonight was even better. Ahead of Phelps until the 150, Tarwater finished in 1:54.72-the second fastest time ever for an American swimmer. Phelps gradually reeled him into the third wall, finishing in an easy seeming 1:54.02.

In the first semi it was NCAA champ Gil Stovall (ABSC) in a best time of 1:55.30. It took at 1:57.76 to make tomorrow's final...in 2004 Tom Malchow finished 2nd with a 1:57.37!

Women's 200 IM Semi-Final

At the 2004 Trials at the age of 15, Katie Hoff (NBAC) won in 2:12.06. Tonight she went a best time to win semi number 2 in 2:09.94. Her splits: 28.34, 32.89, 37.83, and 30.88. Ariana Kukors (KING) also came in a best time with her 2:10.85.

In the first semi, it was Natalie Coughlin, with a 2:11.72, her splits: 27.65, 34.01, 39.65, and 30.41, setting up an interesting showdown tomorrow night. Caitlin Leverenz (EDAC) had her best swim of the meet with a 2:11.76.