Hansen eliminated in 200 breaststroke; Ex-world record-holder out in trial of signature event.(Sports)

Byline: Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. - Brendan Hansen clung to the lane rope, glaring at the scoreboard. No matter how long he stared, the shocking result just wouldn't go away.

He wasn't first - or even second.

He won't be swimming one of his signature events at the Beijing Olympics.

In the first major stunner of the U.S. swimming trials, Hansen failed to make the Olympic team in the 200-meter breaststroke Thursday night. The world record-holder less than a month ago was knocked out by a fourth-place showing, laboring to the finish in the wake of three countrymen.

Hansen's only solace: He still has a spot in the 100 breast and, …