Lilly King Posts American Record and Wins 50 Breast in Windsor

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Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

19-year-old American Lilly King pulled ahead of world record-holder Alia Atkinson of Jamaica to win the World title in the women’s 50 breast. King posted a time of 28.92, smashing her own American record of 29.17 set in the semifinals Tuesday night.

The time moves King to fourth all-time in the event, behind Atkinson, the USA’s Jessica Hardy and Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte. Hardy is actually the fastest American in history in the event, but her time does not count as an American record since she swam the time in late 2009 with the use of a full bodysuit that had already been banned in the U.S.

Atkinson finished second in 29.11, well off her world record of 28.64 set in October. Molly Hannis made it a 1-3 finish for the U.S. as she picked up bronze in 29.58.

Finland’s Jenna Laukkanen came in fourth in a strong 29.72, while Russia’s Natalia Ivaneeva was fifth in 30.14. Rounding out the final were Norway’s Susann Bjornsen (30.28), Australia’s Jessica Hansen (30.43) and Belgium’s Fanny Lecluyse (30.45).

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