Chinese youngster Ye Shiwen unleashed a withering burst to claim Olympic gold in the women’s 400m medley in world record time on Saturday.
The 16-year-old overwhelmed American world champion Elizabeth Beisel to win the final in four minutes 28.43 seconds to cap a glittering night for China in the pool following Sun Yang’s breakthrough victory in the men’s 400m freestyle.
Ye put in a storming final freestyle leg to shatter the previous record of 4:29.45, set by Australian Stephanie Rice en route to gold at the Beijing Games four years ago.
So supercharged was Ye’s finish that she stormed under the world record on the back of a 28.93sec final lap to leave her rivals in her wake. “I thought at the 200 metres that the race was lost,” Ye said. “But then on the breaststroke I realised I was in the top two or three and I was confident I could win on the last leg.
“I’ve been working on my butterfly and backstroke since last year’s world championships and have closed the gap, while freestyle is my best stroke. I dreamed of winning the gold medal, but I never ever expected to break a world record, I’m overwhelmed.” Beisel finished with silver in 4:31.27 with Ye’s teammate Li Xuanxu taking the bronze in 4:32.91.
“I knew I was in a little bit of trouble when she was that close but I can’t control what my opponents do and she had a great race,” Beisel said. “I knew the Chinese were going to bring it home. A gold would be a little bit cooler but I can’t complain. I’m just really excited right now.”Defending champion Rice trailed in sixth in 4:35.49 with British hope and world silver medallist Hannah Miley fifth in 4:34.17.
“I think under the circumstances, it proves I am not fit enough to back up two top-class swims, I didn’t really cruise through the heats,” said Rice.
“I am disappointed, I can’t deny that. I put in a solid swim, just the time wasn’t good enough.”
