ZIMBABWE’S Kirsty Coventry came within a whisker of breaking Natalie Coughlin's world record during the heats of the women's 100 backstroke on Sunday.
Coventry stormed home to win her heat in 59.00 seconds, just 0.03 outside the record Coughlin set at the U.S. Olympic trials.
Japan's Reiko Nakamura was second fastest in 59.36 ahead of Russian's Anastasia Zueva in 59.61.
Coughlin, swimming in the same heat as Coventry, set the fourth fastest time of 59.69 despite crashing into the lane ropes, with France's Laure Manaudou fifth in 1:00.09.
The semi-finals are on Monday.
Coventry, who won the 200 backstroke gold medal at the Athens Olympics, won a silver medal behind Australia's Stephanie Rice in Sunday's 400 individual medley final, with both women breaking the old world record.
"I think part of that was still running off the adrenaline and hype from this morning, I didn't have to build up too much energy to get in and get energized," Coventry said.
"I'm very happy with that time, it felt pretty good. I just need good rest, eat some good food, get a good sleep."
Reuters
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Isaac Bwoni • ibwoni@gmail.com Subject: Kirsty Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:17:14 • True sportsperson! God bless you as you lead by example. I wish President Mugabe would give you a second diplomatic passport.
Sisi Ngwenya • n/a Subject: The Devil is a Liar Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:34:50 • Thanks Coventry. We will keep on praying for you. One thing I like about Coventry is that she is proud to be African. She does not mix politics with sport neither is she a racist. The girl is just good. Thanks very much Coventry for keeping the Zimbabwe flag flying high. God Bless Coventry, God Bless Zimbabwe, God Bless Africa. God Bless Mugabe and Tsvangirai and all the children of Zimbabwe. I love you God. Kutaura kudai, Satan haana kugadzirika. Haarare achigaya kuti wat next? You have no chance you Devil pa Zimbabwe nyika ya Baba. Ndatenda
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