INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- World record-holder Jenny Thompson, swimming with a broken arm held together with a titanium plate and seven screws, won the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. national swimming championships.


Thompson, 21, won in 55.50 seconds Sunday, capping a remarkable comeback since she broke her left arm in a freak water-slide accident during a college fraternity party in May.


Thompson underwent surgery on June 3. She had more than 100 stitches and a plate and seven screws put in her arm, and has a six-inch scar on her forearm. She missed just 10 days of practice.


"The doctors told me before the surgery I always had next year and I told them I didn't, that I wanted this year," said Thompson.


Two years ago, Thompson was the first U.S. woman in 59 years to break the world record in the 100-meter freestyle in 54.48. Her record still stands.


With her victory here, Thompson, who won two gold medals and a silver at the Barcelona Olympics and six gold medals at the Pan Pacific Championships last August, qualified for the U.S. team at the world championships in Rome, September 1-11.