Source: Xinhua

08-12-2008 10:45

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. swimmer Natalie Coughlin defended her Olympic title by beating hot favorite Zibabwean veteran Kirsty Coventry in Tuesday's women's 100-meter backstroke.

Natalie Coughlin (L) of the United States receives congratulation  from Russia's Anastasia Zueva after the final of women's 100m  backstroke at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National  Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube in Beijing, China,  Aug. 12, 2008. Natalie Coughlin claimed the title with 58.96  seconds. (Xinhua)

    Coughlin led the race from the start and was the first to reach the 50-meter turn with Coventry closely trailing behind. Conventry, who broke Coughlin's world record in Monday's semifinals, tried to catch up in the final 50 meters, but Coughlin managed to finish first.

    Cougnlin clocked in 58.96 seconds, well off Coventry's world record. Coventry was 0.23 seconds behind, settling for a silver.

    "It hasn't really sunken in yet. When I first saw 'One' by my name, I thought I had made a mistake. It was such a fast time," Coughlin said excitedly.

    Another U.S. swimmer Margaret Hoelzer won bronze in 59.34 seconds.

    "It's my first Olympic medal. It was really fantastic, really excited. You know, I knew I had to get out fast. Right now I just want to sit down and my legs are so tired," Hoelzer said.

    France's Laure Manaudou, Athens bronze medalist, failed to reach podium, ranked seventh.