Christine Magnuson swims fastest 100 fly in world at US nationals

Magnuson wins 100 fly at US nationals

IRVINE, Calif. — Christine Magnuson has won the 100-meter butterfly at the U.S. championships with the fastest time in the world this year.

Magnuson, the Olympic silver medalist, touched in 57.32 seconds Tuesday night to earn a spot on the American team for the Pan Pacific championships later this month.

She beat out Dana Vollmer, who finished second in 57.45. Vollmer previously had the world’s fastest time of 57.39.

Kathleen Hersey was third. Natalie Coughlin, an 11-time Olympic medalist, was fourth as she continues the comeback she began earlier this year, having taken two years off after the Beijing Games.

Michael Phelps took opening night of the meet off, but will swim five events over the next five days.