 Alain Bernard: Creates record by winning 100m freestyle
In 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, France has grabbed 100 metres freestyle for the first time as Alain Bernard won the battle of the record breakers with a time of 47.12.0.11 seconds to defeat Australia's Eamon Sullivan.
Eamon Sullivan previously led at the turn but latter Bernard leveled as they came to the surface. The pair swam stroke for stroke, neither wanting to settle for second best, but it was Alain Bernard, the European champion who touched home first for Olympic glory.
Jason Lezak, who swam a brilliant final leg of America's 4x100m freestyle to snatch gold from the grasp of the French quartet, shared the bronze position with Cesar Cielo Filho of Brazil in 47.67 seconds. The defending champion, Peter van den Hoogenband, finished fourth in 47.75 seconds, some 0.09 seconds faster than he had recorded in Sydney on his way to gold.
Alain Bernard said, "I can't believe it. I know I was feeling down after the relay, but I didn't want to get beaten. Today it was not about the silver medal or the world record. It was about touching the wall".
Sullivan said, "I'm very happy I performed so well in my first Olympic final. Unfortunately it was not good enough for the day".
Alain Bernard is a French swimmer from Aubagne. He is the former holder of the 100 m freestyle long course world record after winning the European LC Championships 2008 final in a time of 47.50 seconds on March 22, 2008.
Personal bests
| Event |
Long course |
Short course |
| 50 m freestyle |
21.50 |
21.59 |
| 100 m freestyle |
47.20 |
46.39 (NR) |
| 200 m freestyle |
1:50.95 |
1:46.43(NR) |
|
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