Coventry extends her record run

Kirsty CoventryPhoto Gallery>>BEIJING, April 12 -- Kirsty Coventry added to her record-breaking week when she posted a championship mark in the 200-meter backstroke heats yesterday at the short-course worlds.

The Zimbabwean swimmer finished in 2:03.69, more than a second ahead of Lindsay Benko's old record of 2:04.97 set in 2002.

Coventry already set a world record in the 400 individual medley and broke her own meet mark in the 100 back the first two days of the meet.

"I'm getting a little tired," Coventry said. "These last two days have felt longer because I swam many events. But this is making me stronger and it is part of my (Olympics) preparation."

On February 16, Coventry broke the world record in the long-course 200 back, setting off a streak of 23 world marks in the space of less than two months.

The controversial Speedo LZR Racer swimsuit has been worn for 22 of the 23 records.

"It's going to be a year to remember. It definitely makes it interesting," said Coventry, who uses the LZR.

Defending champion Ryan Lochte got off to a fast start in the men's 200 individual medley, leading the heats in 1:55.49 - only slightly off his championship record from two years ago.

Lochte has already won two golds at this event. He swam the first leg as the US set the world record in the 400 free relay on Wednesday, and defended his title in the 400 IM on Thursday.

Overall World Cup leader Randall Bal of the United States led the men's 50 backstroke heats in 23.55, with British sensation Liam Tancock second in 23.64.

A day earlier, Tancock took the 100 back title, with Bal second.