Australians Clock World Record to Earn Olympic Gold in Women’s 400 Freestyle Relay

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Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

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Simone Manuel (53.36) got the Americans to the wall just before the Australia’s Emma McKeon (53.41) at the 100 meter mark of the final in the women’s 400 freestyle relay. Abbey Weitzeil put together a 52.56 to pull a little bit further ahead of the field and Australia’s Brittany Elmslie (53.12).

Bronte Campbell (52.15) dove into the third leg six tenths behind and finished her leg with a four tenth lead over the Americans who had Dana Vollmer (53.18) in the water. Cate Campbell (51.97) dove in under world record pace and pulled further ahead. The Australians snuck under the world record with their final time of 3:30.65, better than the old 3:30.98.

The gold medal was Australia’s second-straight in the 400 free relay, but this one meant something different for the now-24-year-old Cate Campbell.

“This one was different because it was expected, and it’s a lot harder to do when it’s expected,” Campbell said.” I think [we had] a quiet confidence, one that doesn’t need to be spoken. We’re letting our actions speak.”

Katie Ledecky (52.79) held off a charging Canadian team to earn silver for the Americans. The American squad set a new American Record of 3:31.89.

Canada touched in 3:32.89 for the bronze medal with the team of Sandrine Mainville (53.86), Chantal Van Landeghem (53.13), Taylor Ruck (53.19), and Penny Oleksiak (52.72).

The Netherlands finished fourth in 3:33.81. Sweden touched fifth with a 3:35.90.

Italy (3:36.78), France (3:37.45) and Japan (3:37.78) completed the final.

 

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