Women's 100m Freestyle: Steffen wins gold in upset

Britta Steffen of Germany won an unexpected gold medal in the Women's 100m Freestyle final on Friday, August 15 at the National Aquatics Center.

Steffen and the rest of the field were led out by of Australia, who was 0.22 seconds under world record pace at the 50m mark. She turned first, but the German was soon matching the Australian stroke for stroke.

Steffen surged in the final few meters to touch the Australian out in the lunge for the line, winning of 53.12, a mere 0.04 seconds in front of Trickett.

In third place was the resilient, who took the bronze medal in a time of 53.39.

While missing out on gold, Trickett will take something from this race as her speed in the first 50m bodes well for the Women's 50m Freestyle. The heats for that event begin at 18:33 on Friday.

The Australian was fortunate to even be in Friday's final, as China's Pang Jiaying was disqualified for a false start in the semifinal, opening the door for world champion and world record holder Trickett to take her place.

 
Source:Women's 100m Freestyle: Steffen wins gold in upset