Lane 9 News Archive: Olympics, Swimming: Alain Bernard Captures 100 Free Gold

Olympics, Swimming: Alain Bernard Captures 100 Free Gold -- August 13, 2008

By John Lohn

BEIJING, China, August 14. ALAIN Bernard has his vindication. The man who was tracked down by Jason Lezak on the anchor leg of the 400 freestyle relay, thus watching a gold medal turn to silver for his nation, has his gold medal. Bernard, the former world-record holder in the event, held off Australian Eamon Sullivan to win the 100 freestyle.

In a head-to-head battle with Sullivan from the start, Bernard turned at the 50-meter mark in second place, his effort 22.53 just off Sullivan's 22.48. Bernard, though, pulled ahead on the final lap and maintained that advantage on the way to a clocking of 47.21. It was just off the 47.20 that he registered in the semifinals.

"I can't believe it," Bernard said. "I know I was feeling down after the relay, but I didn't want to get beaten. I have been working for years and years. I didn't panic during the race. When I looked at the board, I thought, `Wow, I did it.' It's a great joy to be here. I want to enjoy the moment."

For Sullivan, who touched in 47.32 for the silver medal, it was a bad time to have a race that didn't match his previous efforts. Sullivan had been 47.05 in the semifinals for a world record, a time that would have allowed for a comfortable triumph. But, they have rounds for a reason and Bernard is thrilled with the fact.

The bronze medal was shared by American Jason Lezak and Brazil's Cesar Cielo. The men tied in 47.67, but Lezak will be more than satisfied with splitting the podium. One of the best relay swimmers in American history, the medal was Lezak's first of the individual variety at either a World Championships or Olympic Games.

"It felt good," Lezak said. "I definitely wasn't going to make the same mistake I made four years ago where I took the preliminaries too easy. It's been eating at me for a long time. So to go out and accomplish a medal is really exciting. It doesn't top the relay medal, but it's something I've been pushing (after) for years."

Two-time defending champion Pieter van den Hoogenband saw his chase for a third straight crown come to an end when he touched in 47.75 for fifth. The Dutchman was trying to become the first man in swimming to win three consecutive gold medals in an individual event. Hoogie was followed in sixth by South Africa's Lyndon Ferns (48.06) and seventh went to Aussie Matt Targett (48.20). Sweden's Stefan Nystrand was eighth in 48.33.

Results: 2008 Olympic Games - Swimming

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Reaction Time Comments

August 13, 2008 Of note: Lezak did not break Phelp's American reocrd (from the 400 relay leadoff) thus Phelps has the fastest 100 free time, opening up the possibility for him to swim the free leg of the medley relay even if he were to lose to Crocker in the 100 fly. Just adds a little more drama to the situation. Another option would be to let Phelps swim the prelims of the medley relay and do the backstroke leg - perhaps another world recod run?
Submitted by: Vaswimfan

August 14, 2008 Naw that wouldn't be fair to Grevers. And it would be hard to argue that Lezaks time after prelims and finals is enough slower to warrant the substitution after Lezak's monster FR split. Phelps could swim fly in the prelims and get the medal. But, I think it's moot: even though Rowdy keeps downplaying his chances, I still don't see him losing to Crocker unless Crocker's been hiding something the last three years, or unless I hear he chewed up the training camp.
Submitted by: liquidassets

August 14, 2008 really gutted with the splits of schmitt and coughlin. obviously if schmitt's ill then that explains it but coughlin? yeah she had the 100free semis before but i think she had enough swim down time before the 4x2. looking at the splits both were out ok but just didn't bring it home.
p.s. i am a HUGE coughlin fan, which just adds to my disappointment.
Submitted by: medina

August 14, 2008 too right that wouldn't be fair on grevers. all the speculation is fun and we just can't wait until after the 100fly to see how the medley relay will play out!!
Submitted by: medina

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