The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesAugust 8-24 2008
(BEIJING, August 11) -- Everything went as planned for Lisbeth Trickett of Australia on Monday in the final of the Women's 100m Butterfly at the National Aquatics Center, where she won gold after entering the final as fastest qualifier.
World champion Trickett set off to a fast start and enjoyed a great turn at the 50m to pull away from the field.
Trickett was challenged by Christine Magnuson of the United States in the final 15 meters, but managed to hold on for a comfortable win in 56.73. Trickett’s time was also an Oceania Record.
Trickett entered the final as the fastest qualifier and did not disappoint. Her Beijing 2008 Olympic Games campaign is off to a golden start and she will now switch her attention to winning the Freestyle Sprint double events. Trickett goes into these events as an even hotter favorite than she was in the Butterfly.
Magnuson was with Trickett throughout and made a gallant late charge at the Australian, but fell just short to collect the silver in a time of 57.10.
Jessicah Schipper (AUS), known as 'the Sparrow' won the bronze in a time of 57.25, and will go into her favored 200m Butterfly with confidence.
"To come away with not only a gold medal, but a personal best in these circumstances is really more than I could have dreamed of," Trickett said following the race.
"I get to share the medal ceremony with Jess (Schipper). That's really special because I wouldn't be here without her, that's really important to me."
