Sullivan Sets Aussie Record in 50 Free

BRISBANE, Australia, December 9. ALTHOUGH several fast swims have been produced at the Australian World Championship Trials in Brisbane, Saturday's action generated a national record, thanks to the performance of Eamon Sullivan. Meanwhile, Libby Lenton collected another win and Leisel Jones positioned herself for a breaststroke sweep.

Women's 50 Butterfly Final

The winner of the 100 freestyle, Libby Lenton roared to victory in the one-lap butterfly by knocking off Danni Miatke, the reigning world champion. Although Lenton failed to defeat Jessicah Schipper in the 100 fly earlier in the week, she clocked 26.30 to win the sprint fly over Miatke, who was timed in 26.39. Schipper, not known for her sprinting abilities, was third in 26.71.

Men's 50 Freestyle Final

The development of Eamon Sullivan into a world-class sprinter continued in the one-lap event, as the 21-year-old notched an Asutralian record of 22.00. The winner of the 100 free in sub-49 earlier in the week, Sullivan easily finished ahead of Ashley Callus (22.25) and broke the former Aussie record of 22.07, held by Brett Hawke.

"It's a great night, although I really wasn't expecting too much coming in, I was just hoping for the win and to have the Australian record as well is a bonus," Sullivan said. "The time is good but it's getting to the point where everyone else is swimming under 22 so you really have to get under it and that's what I'm trying to do."

Women's 200 Backstroke Final

Moving to third on the all-time Australian list, Frances Adcock secured gold in the distance-dorsal event with a mark of 2:11.00. The win marked the first national title for the 2004 Olympian, who reached the semifinal round in Athens. Jo Fargus was the second-place finisher in 2:11.89 while Tay Zimmer finished third in 2:13.79.

Women's 50 Breaststroke Semifinals

Her status as the greatest 100 and 200 breaststroker firmly established, Leisel Jones is looking to make it 3-for-3 in her prime discipline. In the semifinals of the 50 breast, Jones was the only swimmer to crack the 31-second mark, behind an effort of 30.94. Tarnee White qualified second in 31.19 and world-record holder Jade Edmistone was third in 31.23, ahead of Brooke Hanson (31.65).

Men's 100 Butterfly Final

Despite a time that will not raise many eyebrows on the international circuit, 30-year-old Adam Pine qualified for his fifth World Champs squad by winning the 100 fly in 53.23. Fighting an illness during the week, Pine edged out Andrew Lauterstein, who was second with a time of 53.32. Garth Kates, a 17-year-old with much promise, was third in 53.54. Hoping to rekindle past magic, Michael Klim settled for fifth in 54.16, a half-second slower than his semifinal time.

"You never discount the old guys, it's always good fun and I hope me swimming actually brings some younger kids in and brings them up to the standard that we've been doing for some time," Pine said. "As I said to (National Head Coach) Alan Thompson, I'm going to hang around as long as I can.

Women's 50 Freestyle Semifinals

The championship heat of the 50 free is shaping up to be a free-for-all between some well-established talents and a budding youngster. Alice Mills and Libby Lenton qualified one-two in 25.06 and 25.07 while the third position was occupied by 14-year-old Cate Campbell, who went 25.18. Jodie Henry (25.41) should also be in the mix during the final.

Men's 50 Backstroke Semifinals

Like anyone else was going to be in the top spot heading into the final. Matt Welsh qualified first in 25.51, ahead of the 25.86 by Hayden Stoeckel and the 25.96 of Ashley Delaney. Welsh is the Aussie-record holder at 24.99.

Women's 800 Freestyle Final

Clocking in at 8:32.21, 17-year-old Stephanie Williams nailed down a berth to the World Champs by defeated another teenager, 16-year-old Kylie Palmer (8:32.80). En route to second place, Palmer reeled in Linda Mackenzie during the final lap. Mackenzie ended up third in 8:33.19.

Women's 400 Medley Relay Final

The Commercial (Queensland) foursome of Jo Fargus, Leisel Jones, Libby Lenton and Melanie Schlanger set an Australian club record by turning in a time of 4:03.36. Jones made the mark possible by swimming the second-fastest breaststroke leg in history, an effort of 1:05.59. Only Jones has been quicker, with a 1:05.51 at the Commonwealth Games.

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