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Solid Win For USA Over AUS & DEN

Dec 15, 2012  - Craig Lord

Istanbul, World Short-Course Championships, Day 4 finals:

Women's 4x100m freestyle

The US quartet of Megan Romano (52.86), Jessica Hardy (53.32), Lia Neal (52.44) and Allison Schmitt (52.39) claimed gold in 3:31.01.

The silver went to Australia's Angie Bainbridge (53.04), Marieka Guehrer (52.32), Brianna Throssell (54.19), Sally Foster (53.35) in 3:32.90.

The bronze went to Mie Nielsen (53.07), Pernille Blume (53.61), Kelly Rasmussen (54.59) and Jeanette Ottesen (52.24) in 3:33.51.

Against the backdrop of an Olympic year and the passing of shiny suits, the final produced the slowest podium since 2006.

Meanwhile, at the end of four of five days of racing, the USA leads the medals table by a solid margin, on 20 medals, 8 of them gold (8-5-7), followed by Hungary (3-2-3), China (2-4-3) and Germany (2-1-1).

Dubai 2010 compared:

  • Netherlands - 3:28.54 CR
  • Frederike Heemskerk, 52.33; Inge Dekker 52.47 (1:44.80); Hinkelien Schreuder 52.32 (2:37.12); Ranomi Kromowidjojo 51.42 (3:28.54)
  • United States - 3:29.34
  • Natalie Coughlin 51.88; Katie Hoff 52.79 (1:44.67); Jessica Hardy 53.03 (2:37.70); Dana Vollmer 51.64 (3:29.34)
  • China - 3:29.81
  • Tang Yi 52.27; Zhu Qianwei 52.60 (1:44.87); Pang Jiaying 52.94 (2:37.81); Li Zhesi 52.00 (3:29.81)

History in the making:

World s/c Podiums

  • 2012: 3:31.01; 3:32.90; 3:33.51.
  • 2010: 3:28.54; 3:29.34; 3:29.81
  • 2008: 3:29.42; 3:32.00; 3:32.88
  • 2006: 3:33.32; 3:34.95; 3:36.13

Most world titles in this event:  3 - China 1993*, 95**, 97*

* - successes tainted by presence of athletes who subsequently tested positive for doping. ** - Two athletes competed in all three teams and were coached by the same programme as one of those who tested positive

World Records

  • WR: 3:28.22 PSV Eindhoven NED 10.12.08 
  • TB: 3:28.54 NED 18.12.10

All-time textile rankings top 5:

  • (3:27.53 Euro stars - not from one nation)
  • 3:28.22 Eiffel - NED club team
  • 3:28.46 USA
  • 3:29.81 CHN
  • 3:30.92 AUS
  • 3:31.97 SWE