IT HELPS TO HAVE PHELPS FIRST GOLD IN RECORD QUEST HELPS U.S. TAKE MEDAL LEAD IN SWIMMING RIVALRY.

Byline: Steve Dilbeck Staff Writer

ATHENS, Greece - Swimming's big showdown got off to its hoped-for Olympic start Saturday, as Michael Phelps led the U.S. to a first-night medal haul.

The muggy evening was not without Australia and Ian Thorpe letting it be known they will again challenge the U.S. dominance in the Olympic pool.

U.S. vs. Australia, Phelps vs. Thorpe, everyone vs. the weather, it was all their on the opening night of swimming competition.

Phelps took the gold in world-record time in winning the 400 individual medley, leading the U.S. to five swimming medals.

The Americans managed only Phelps' gold medal and Australia answered with three medals, including two golds.

Phelps shaved .15 off his world record in taking the 400 IM, and teammate Eric Vendt, the former USC standout, took his second consecutive Olympic silver in the event.

``This is going to start something for the whole U.S. team,'' Phelps said.

It was four years ago when Tom Dolan took the gold and Vendt the silver on the opening night in Sydney, Australia, igniting an impressive medal run by the U.S.

``This really lifted the team,'' Vendt said. ``It's the best American team in Olympic history.''

It could prove to be, but the focus is clearly on Phelps and his lofty attempt at matching, or even breaking, Mark Spitz' record seven golds in a single Olympics.

He scored on his first attempt.

``I thought about this every single day of my swimming life,'' Phelps said.

``This is a dream come true for me, and means even more with (Vendt) getting second.''

In addition to Phelps' gold and Vendt's silver, the U.S. got a a second bronze from Klete Keller (USC) in the 400 free, a silver from Kaitlin Sandeno (USC) in the women's 400 IM and a silver in the women's 400 freestyle relay.

Although not favored to defeat Australia in the 400 freestyle relay, it was a disappointing second-place finish for the American women, who have dominated this Olympic event and won the past three.

The U.S. actually had a slight lead going into the last leg, but Australia's Jodie Henry turned in an impressive 52.95 to swamp veteran Jenny Thompson (who still turned in the fastest U.S. leg at 53.77) and lead the Aussies to a world-record time of 3:35.94.

Katie Hoff was supposed to be the American who threatened defending champion Yana Klochkova of the Ukraine in the 400 IM, but Hoff faded badly in the prelims and then fainted at pool side.

Heat, nerves and youth might have gotten to the 15-year-old Hoff, who is also entered in the 200 IM.

With Hoff out of the finals, it was left to Sandeno to challenge Klochkova, and the two turned in the best dual of the night.

Sandeno matched Klochkova stroke for stroke, actually holding the narrowest of leads - .01 seconds - after the final turn.

Klochkova just out-touched Sandeno at the wall, winning in 4:34.83 to Sandeno's 4:34.95, an American record.

Sandeno crushed her previous personal best of 4:40.39.

``Oh, my gosh, I was so flustered,'' Sandeno said. ``I don't think it's sunk in yet. I'd been stuck at 4:40 since the 2000 Olympics. I was just thinking please let me break 4:40.

``That's why I didn't even mind being out-touched.''

Phelps had no such trouble in easily taking the men's 400 IM in 4:08.26, winning by almost two body lengths over Vendt. Hungary's Laszio Cseh, thought to be the only threat to Phelps in this event, is recovering from a broken bone in his foot but took third.

Thorpe repeated his gold-medal effort in the 400 free, but was more than 3 seconds off his world-record time, looking like he might be vulnerable in their showdown Monday in the 200 free.

``I didn't swim the race I wanted,'' Thorpe said. ``I think my 200 will be much better than my 400. It had better be.''

Overlooked by almost everyone, is the possibility Phelps and Thorpe could be lane-by-lane tonight in the men's 400 free relay.

Phelps, who did not compete in the 100 free at the U.S. Trials, has not been announced as a relay member and would be a slightly controversial addition, despite having the second-fastest American time this year.

If added, he is unlikely to lead off because the blocks are considered one of his weakest areas. Jason Lezak, the top U.S. qualifier in the 100, could lead and Phelps anchor.

Australia could anchor Thorpe or Grant Hackett.

Hackett took the silver Saturday to Thorpe in the 400 free, beating Keller by 1.25 seconds.

``I love racing all these guys,'' Keller said. ``It brings out the best in me.''

Steve Dilbeck, [phone]

stephen.dilbeck(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

4 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) Michael Phelps celebrates after breaking his 400 IM world record and winning the first of what he hopes is eight gold medals. His next attempt at a medal is today's 400 freestyle relay.

Mark Baker/Associated Press

(2 -- color) no caption (Michael Phelps)

(3) Kaitlin Sandeno won a silver in the women's 400 individual medley and was one of three athletes from USC to medal Saturday.

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

(4) - Michael Phelps about winning a gold medal Saturday

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