Lenny first attended Fairfax High School, and then attended Santa Monica College where he won both the 100 and backstroke junior college titles. His coach at Santa Monica recognized his talent and recommended him to Mark Schubert at the University of Southern California. Lenny transferred to USC. In 1995, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Three years later, he became the first swimmer since 1986 to sweep the backstroke events, 100 m &amp; 200 m, in the World Championships.