Swimming: Larsen Jensen, in record time

BEIJING -- Swimmer Larsen Jensen of Bakersfield and Club Trojan obviously likes to move fast in the water -- he lowered his own American record in the 400-meter freestyle Saturday at the National Aquatics Center -- but he goes fast on land too.

Jensen advanced to Sunday's final by winning his heat in 3 minutes 43.10 seconds, besting the record of 3:43.53 he set at the Olympic trials. Afterward, he zipped through the interview area and past the assembled reporters, saying only, "Sorry guys, I can't." He left in his trail only a vision of the Olympic rings tattooed on his shoulder blade.

Peter Vanderkaay of Ann Arbor, Mich., also advanced, with a time of 3:44.22. The winner of his heat was Australia's Grant Hackett, in 3:44.03.

Vanderkaay was happy with his swim. "It felt controlled," he said. "I think I have a better swim in me tomorrow."

-- Helene Elliott