World Championships: Gold for Jessica Hardy in 50 Breaststroke

By John Lohn

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 1. THANKS to Jessica Hardy, history wasn't made in the 50 breaststroke tonight. With Leisel Jones chasing a sweep of the breast events, Hardy cranked out an American-record swim of 30.63 to play the role of spoiler. Off in her 100 breast earlier in the week, Hardy lowered her own American record of 30.85, which she had recorded on two occasions.

The winner of the 100 and 200 distances, Jones was trying to make it 3-for-3, but settled for the silver medal in 30.70. No swimmer in World Champs history has won the 50 through 200 distances in any stroke, and we'll now have to wait until Rome in 2009 to see if it will happen there. Jones entered the championship final as the top seed.

After winning the silver medal in the 100 breaststroke, Tara Kirk added the bronze medal in the sprint, as she covered her lap in 31.05. Kirk knocked off Aussie Tarnee White (31.14) for the final spot on the medal podium. Germany's Janne Schafer was fifth in 31.35 and sixth place went to New Zealand's Zoe Baker with a mark of 31.79.

"Especially after my 100, I was just happy to race and get that result," said Hardy, fourth in the 100 distance. "I had no clue what it would take. It's a new American record, so I'm happy."

Click Here to view event results PDF file.

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