French International Meet: Two National Records Fall on First Day

SAINT RAPHAEL, Frances, February 28. THE first day of the French International Meet held in Saint Raphael featured some quick long course meter swimming. Two national records fell by the wayside during the first set of finals.

The 100 frees opened the competition as Malia Metella touched out Camille Muffat and Mylene Lazare, 56.18 to 56.22, 56.28, for the women's crown. Meanwhile, French stud sprinter Alain Bernard cruised in the men's event with a 48.83 to beat Fabien Gilot (49.29) and Boris Steimetz (49.31).

Israel's Yuliya Banach smashed her national record in the women's 100 breast with a time of 1:08.93. Her previous standard of 1:10.13 was set last August. James Gibson of Great Britain dominated the men's 100 breast with a time of 1:00.79 to win by nearly two seconds over Giacomo Perez Dortona's 1:02.45.

In the women's 100 back, Alexianne Castel bested Esther Baron, 1:02.11 to 1:04.21, while Camille Lacourt held off Israel's Jonatan Kopelev, 56.26 to 56.73, for the men's 100 back title.

Diane Bui Duyet threw down a 59.73 for the women's 100 fly victory, while Rafael Munoz Perez took the men's 100 fly triumph in 51.93. Munoz Perez's effort lowered his Spanish record of 52.09 set last March.

In the distance events, Coralie Balmy took home the women's 800 free crown in 8:27.31, while Anthony Pannier clinched the men's 1500 free title in 15:19.74.

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