4th of July fireworks at US swimming trials

Cullen Jones celebrates after setting a new American record of 21.59 in the preliminary heats of the 50 meter freestyle during the US Swimming Olympic Trials on July 4, 2008. (Photo credit: Al Bello/Getty Images)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, July 5) -- Swimmers Cullen Jones and Michael Phelps marked the American Independence Day with new national and world records on the 6th day of the US swimming trials. In the morning prelims Jones rewrote the American record for the men's 50m freestyle with a new time of 21.59. Later that day, Phelps went on to beat his own world record in men's 200m individual medley (1:54.98), clocking a new low of 1:54.80. First seed Ryan Lochte finished behind Phelps at 1:55.22.

First seed Rebecca Soni (2:22.60) took first-place in women's 200m breaststroke after setting the second-fastest time in the world yesterday in semifinals (2:23.05). American record holder Amanda Beard (2:25.13) and Caitlin Leverenz (2:25.98) came in second and third place.

There was a repeat performance from yesterday's semifinals in men's 200m backstroke with Aaron Peirsol (1:54.32), Ryan Lochte (1:54.34), and Tyler Clary (1:57.35) taking the top three spots respectively. Lochte tied his world record time set at the 2007 FINA World Swimming Championships in Melbourne.

Dara Torres (53.76) beat out top seed Natalie Coughlin (53.83) for first place in women's 100m freestyle. On Thursday both women swam faster than the former meet record with Coughlin lowering the time to 53.64.

The seventh day of competition will include prelims and semifinals in women's 50m freestyle and men's 1500m freestyle. Finals will be conducted for women's 200m backstroke, men's 100m butterfly, women's 800m freestyle, and men's 50m freestyle.

DAY 6