World Championships: USA Routs Field in Men’s 400 Free Relay Final

By John Lohn

MELBOURNE, Australia, March 24. THE evening was much more to the liking of the United States' men's 400 free relay. After qualifying third for the evening final, the Stars and Stripes turned it up a notch at night and posted the second-fastest time in history, a 3:12.72 that challenged the global standard of 3:12.46.

The American unit was in control from the get-go, as Michael Phelps led off in 48.42, tying him with Matt Biondi as the third-fastest American in history and ninth in world history. Phelps was then followed by Neil Walker (48.31), Cullen Jones (48.67) and Jason Lezak, who produced a stellar anchor leg of 47.32.

That Phelps went 48.42 for the 100 free, not one of his prime events, is a spectacular indicator that special things await for the eight-time Olympic medalist. Individually this week, Phelps will race the 200 free, both medley events and both butterfly races. Meanwhile, Lezak could be a player in the 100 free based on his split.

"When we get in the water we always want to win," said Phelps, with 16 races remaining. "It is our mentality of how to approach things. One down, one behind. After tonight that race is no longer in my memory. I will push it out and will be ready for tomorrow's race."

Phelps' medal raised his career total to 11 of the gold variety, tying him with Ian Thorpe. Phelps also has three silver medals to his credit.

Italy earned the silver medal in 3:14.04, behind the quartet of Massi Rosolino, Alessandro Calvi, Christian Galenda and Filippo Magnini, who split 47.18 on the end, fastest of the night. Look for Magnini to challenge the world record of 47.84 in the 100 free.

The bronze medal was won by France and its foursome of Fabien Gilot, Fred Bousquet, Julien Sicot and Alain Bernard. They were timed in 3:14.68, ahead of South Africa's 3:14.77. Roland Schoeman tried to rally South Africa to bronze, but his 47.98 split didn't cut deep enough into France's advantage.

Click Here to view event results PDF file.

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