World Championships: Gold for Libby Lenton in Much-Hyped 100 Freestyle

By John Lohn

MELBOURNE, Australia, March 30. PULLING away in the final few meters, Australia's Libby Lenton pulled out victory in a sensational final of the 100 freestyle. Tying for the second-fastest time in history and a championship record, Lenton moved to the front of the field heading into the wall and stopped the clock in 53.40 for the gold medal. Her time tied Natalie Coughlin's semifinal effort from the previous night.

Tabbed as one of the most intriguing finals of the competition, the 100 free featured Lenton, world-record holder Britta Steffen of Germany and Coughlin. But, there was a surprise finisher in the second position, as the Netherlands' Marleen Veldhuis, in front at the turn and for the majority of the race, earned the silver medal in 53.70.

Steffen, whose world record sits at 53.30, was the bronze medalist in 53.74, ahead of Coughlin, who managed a mark of 53.87. Having set the world record in the 100 backstroke earlier in the meet, along with American records in the 100 free (semifinal), 200 free and 100 butterfly, Coughlin couldn't quite match what she did the previous evening.

"It was pretty good," Lenton said, fighting back tears. "It was so great to get out there in front a crowd that has been so supportive. I really wanted to put this together for myself and I was able to pull it out."

Canadian Erica Morningstar (54.10) was the fifth-place finisher, continuing her country's solid showing here in Melbourne. The sixth position went to Olympic champion Jodie Henry (54.21) and Sweden's Josefin Lillhage placed seventh in 54.67. Rounding out the field was France's Malia Metella with a time of 54.77.

Click Here to view event results PDF file.

Check back for an updated story on this event as our team of Senior Writer John Lohn and CEO Brent Rutemiller, on the scene at Rod Laver Arena, provide in-depth coverage, along with radio and TV segments.

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