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Olympics: China's Ye breaks world record to win 400m medley

Dunya News

Ye Shiwen claimed Olympic gold in the women s 400m medley in world record time.

Chinese youngster Ye Shiwen unleashed a withering burst to claim Olympic gold in the womens 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 Yangs victory in the mens 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 Yes finish that she powered under the world record on the back of a 28.93sec final lap to leave her rivals in her wake.Beisel finished with silver in 4:31.27 with Yes teammate Li Xuanxu taking the bronze in 4:32.91.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 didnt really cruise through the heats, said Rice.I am disappointed, I cant deny that. I put in a solid swim, just the time wasnt good enough.A long-term shoulder injury, which requires treatment after every training session, has hampered the 24-year-old Rices preparations for the defence of her two Olympic medley titles.Miley accepted her defeat before a cheering home crowd in good grace.Im feeling all right. Most of the media are expecting me to be depressed and down and in tears, Miley said.I know it wasnt the result that the (British) public wanted, which was a medal, but that was something that they decided to put on themselves, to that expectation of me.For me, my target was to try to give the best performance that I could, and I can honestly say that I gave that absolutely 100 percent.