Popov Drops Hall Again -- August 13, 1996

Swimming in the Arena Games in Mulhouse, France, Olympic champion Alexander Popov beat silver medalist Gary Hall Jr., head-to-head again in the 50-meter freestyle. Similar to their race in Atlanta, Hall got off to a fast start, only to be run down by Popov at the finish. Popov clocked a 22.90. Hall timed a 22.95. Popov reportedly earned $4,000 for the victory, while Hall earned $2,500 as runner-up.

Also in Mulhouse, double-gold champion Denis Pankratov set a world record of 23.68 in the 50-meter butterfly.