World Cup, Sydney: Flash Australia’s Robert Hurley Downs 50 Back World Record – Updated

Universal Sports Webcast Coverage of World Cup

Updated October 27, 2008

SYDNEY, Australia, October 26. ANOTHER sprint 50 event witnessed a world-record performance at the third stop of the FINA World Cup held in Sydney, Australia. This time, Robert Hurley blazed the trail in the men's 50 back.

Hurley, swimming for host country Australia, nipped Thomas Rupprath's world record of 23.27 set in 2004 by clocking a scintillating time of 23.24. Incidentally, the time also cleared Randall Bal's World Cup record of 23.33 set in Berlin last year and Matt Welsh's Australian record of 23.31 set in 2002.

Russia's Stanislav Donets placed second in 23.63, while Ashley Delaney of Australia took third in 24.04.

Full Results

Swimming Australia posted the following release regarding the world record swim by Hurley:

Australia has tonight unearthed another world record holder at the FINA/ARENA Swimming World Cup with 20-year-old AIS-based Wollongong student Robert Hurley lowering a four-year-old world short course mark in the 50 metres backstroke. IAN HANSON reports from poolside….

Hurley stepped out for the first time in the full length Speedo bodysuit and took 0.03 secs off German legend Thomas Rupprath's 2004 world mark with a time of 23.24secs (1024 FINA Points – second highest in Sydney).

Asked "where did that came from?" Hurley replied "I've got no idea…I just decided to wear the full suit for the first time…I got to the pool early because I knew it would take me 20 minutes to get the suit on, I put the headphones on and got myself prepared.

"The suit makes you feel so good under water and that's a strong part of my race and I'm just very happy."

Hurley's blinder followed hot on the trail of Matt Jaukovic's world record last night of 22.50 in the 50 metres butterfly, which saw him win the Sydney meet on 1039 FINA points.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use