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FINA World Cup 9 - Day 2 Report

Feb 17, 1999

World Record For O'Neill

MALMO - It was supposed to be another routine 200 fly swim. Another step in her preparation for the Short Course World Championships in about six weeks. But swimming well ahead of the old record pace she finally achieved her long term pursuit of Mary T. Meagher's 200 fly record from 1981.

1981 Meagher29.401:01.651:33.902:05.65
1999 O'Neill28.340:59.851:32.222:05.37

"I did not plan it," O'Neil; said. "I am very surprised. I did not think that I could set the record here. It's thrilling. Mary T. Meagher was such a legendary figure. I'm so pleased that I've got one of her world records. From now on I will aim at her long course world record in this event."

It was the seventh world record at one of the recent Malmo World Cups. It earned O'Neill a five minute standing ovation by the crowd.

Other highlights

Katrin Meissner (GER) won the 100 freestyle in 54.59, over Laura Nicholls (CAN), and Johanna Sjoberg (SWE) in third place. Meissner moves to the top of the sprint cetagory points race with 68.

Todd Pearson (AUS) was a surprise winner in the men's 200 freestyle with 1:47.50 taking the early and holding off a strong challenge by Brad Schumacher (USA) with 1:47.82.

Samantha Riley (AUS) continued her sweep of the breaststroke events with wins in the 50 with a 31.34 and the 200 with 2:24.40. Yesterday she won the 100 in 1:07.29. On the weekend in Glasgow she performed the same feat. Riley raced Penny Heyns (RSA) at both competitions. However Heyns retains the points lead in the category with 86 to Riley's 74.

Fred de Burghgraeve (BEL) is closing in on his goal to win the men's breaststroke category with his win in the 100 with 1:00.12. He won the 50 yesterday and now has 88 points.

Backstroke was dominated by Stev Theloke (GER) who completed the sweep for the second consecutive World Cup. Theloke won the 50 in 25.06 and the 200 in 1:56.10 today and the 100 yesterday in 53.85. He now has 94 points for the category.

Joanne Malar (CAN) added the 400 IM with a time of 4:37.45 over Carrie Burgoyne (CAN) with 4:40.21.

Louise Ornstedt (DEN), 13, won the 100 backstroke, with 1:01.04. Kelly Stefanyshyn (CAN), was second with 1:01.62, but is well in the lead in the backstroke category with 101 points.

In the women's 400 freestyle Chen Hua (CHN) with 4:04.78 claimed another win over Claudia Poll (CRC) in 4:06.09. However Poll moved ahead in the distance free category with 91 points

Gustavo Borges (BRA) won the 50 free with 22.16 over Chris Fydler (AUS), who was second with 22.23. Borges' two wins here (he won the 100 yesterday) gave him the lead in the sprint category with 67 points.

Marianne Limpert (CAN) took the points lead in the IM Category, with a win in the 100 IM with 1:02.18. She now has 103 points the most by anyone.

Next stage of the FINA Swimming World Cup will take place next weekend, February 19-20, in Paris. It will be the 10th meet. Gelsenkirchen (GER) and Imperia (ITA), will follow to complete the twelve round long series.