From www.usswim.org – PERTH, AUSTRALIA – American Bill Pilczuk upset two-time Olympic champion and defending World Champion Alexander Popov of Russia in the 50m freestyle here tonight at the World Championships. <\/p>\n
Pilczuk, 25, of Cape May Pointe, N.J., exploded from the blocks for the early lead and never relinquished it, winning in a lifetime best of 22.29. Popov was second at 22.43. Ricardo Busquets of Puerto Rico and Australia’s Michael Klim tied for third in 22.47. <\/p>\n
“I tell you what, boy, I wasn\u2019t expecting that,” Pilczuk said. “My first reaction was \u2018You\u2019ve got to be kidding me.\u2019 <\/p>\n
“The furthest thing in my mind was winning it. My whole goal here was to make finals, then after prelims when I saw I could be a medalist, I was hoping to medal. To get first is beyond my dreams.” <\/p>\n
Popov’s loss ended his historic string of victories in major competitions stretching back seven years, including two Olympic Games, the 1994 World Championships, and three European Championships. <\/p>\n
Neil Walker, 21, of Verona, Wis., was fifth with a 22.50, only 0.03 seconds away from a bronze. <\/p>\n
Earlier in the evening, the Americans scored a one-two punch in the 800m freestyle. Brooke Bennett, 17, of Plant City, Fla., won with an 8:28.71. Diana Munz, 15, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was second with an 8:29.97.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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