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Biedermann Bounces Hao On Last lap

Dec 14, 2012  - Craig Lord

Istanbul, World Short-Course Championships, day 3 finals: 

Men's 400m freestyle

Paul Biedermann (GER) put his signature fast finish on show to retain the crown in 3:39.15 after powering his way past Hao Yun (CHN), leader for most of the battle, on the last lap of 16. Hao took silver in 3:39.48, Mads Glaesner (DEN) third in 3:40.09.

In victory, Biedermann, at 26 the oldest winner of the crown, became the fourth multiple winner of the 400m after Australians Daniel Kowalski and Grant Hackett and Yuri Prilukov, of Russia. 

“It was a good final. My competition is over. All is well," said the german winner who had not noticed Hao out on the wing in lane 1. “I didn’t see him. When I looked at the scoreboard I realised how close it was,” said Biedermann.

Dubai 2010 compared:

  • Paul Biedermann (GER) 3:37.06
  • Nikita Lobintsev (RUS) 3:37.84
  • Oussama Mellouli (TUN) in 3:38.17

History in the making:

World s/c Podiums

  • 2012: 3:39.15; 3:39.48; 3:40.09 
  • 2010: 3:37.06; 3:37.84; 3:38.17
  • 2008: 3:37.35; 3:39.60; 3:40.22 
  • 2006: 3:38.08; 3:40.43; 3:41.04

World Records 

  • WR: 3:32.77 Paul Biedermann (GER) 
  • TB: 3:32.25 Yannick Agnel  (FRA) 

All-time textile rankings top 5:

  • 3:32.25 Agnel 
  • 3:34.58 Hackett
  • 3:34.63 Thorpe 
  • 3:36.68 Park 
  • 3:37.06 Biedermann