China's Luo wins 100M breaststroke gold
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2004-08-17 06:22

Luo Xuejuan of China won the gold medal Monday in the 100-meter breaststroke with an Olympic-record time of 1:06.64, missing the world record by 0.27.

"This is the most unforgettable moment in my life. I just want to thank the people who always support me," said the 20-year-old Chinese after taking the first swimming gold for China at the Athens Olympics.

"I told her before we came here that you were the best in the world and no one could beat you," said Luo's coach Zhang Yadong.

"She is the strongest competitor in the field and she deserves the win," he added.

Luo defended successfully her 50m and 100m breaststroke titles and became a member of the winning 4x100m medley relay team at last year's Barcelona world championships.

Brooke Hanson of Australia took the silver with a time of 1:07.15. Leisel Jones of Australia won the bronze in 1:07.16.