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Lezak Sets World Cup Record in 50 Free

Jan 19, 2001  - By Anita Lonsborough

Jason Lezak the Olympic team silver medallist from America, completed an impressive freestyle double on day two of the World Cup event in Sheffield.

The twenty five year old sped to a 21.39sec for the 50m just 0.18 outside Anthony Ervin's world mark. Afterwards when asked if he thought he could break the world record he said "Maybe next week. It's a shame Foster decided to save it for Berlin but it's going to be a great race."

Foster with drew after the morning heats complaining of a niggle in his back. He admitted "When I'm training I do a lot of heavy weights to strengthen my back and although it's fine in training it does niggle a bit at meets". He went on to explain that there are three more meets to come on the World Cup circuit and he needs to rest. Adding "Obviously there's the cash incentive".

Foster a former world record holder for the 50m freestyle went on to explain "I put a lot of effort into yesterday and I'm feeling tired today. I got up this morning and felt drained. I was on such a high last night and then I had to swim the heats this morning and I would have had to get myself back up for the final tonight".

When he races he likes to "get on the blocks and feel fresh. I felt fresh yesterday and it's not that easy, you can't just jump in and break a world record." Adding "I had a couple of days rest after Imperia and I think that's why I felt good yesterday. I want to get some more rest and go to Berlin feeling fresh again".

Foster won the "Top Male" award for his world record the "Top Womens" went to Martina Moravcova who added the 100m medley to her tally of wins. But then proved she can be beaten in the 100m backstroke won by Britain's Sarah Price in 1min 00.15sec. Moravcova was four fifths slower in fourth spot.