Source: Xinhua

08-12-2008 11:20

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 Conventry in Tuesday's women's 100-meter backstroke.

Natalie Coughlin (R) of the United States receives congratulation 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)

Natalie Coughlin (R) of the United States 
receives congratulation 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 Conventry 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 Conventry's world record. Conventry was 0.23 seconds behind, settling for a silver.

Another U.S. swimmer Margaret Hoelzer won bronze in 59.34 seconds. France's Laure Manaudou, Athens bronze medalist, failed to reach podium, ranked seventh.

 

Editor:Wang Shuqin