Thompson Wins Record Eighth Gold Medal
S Y D N E Y, Australia, Sept. 23 -- The United States left the pool with abang today, setting world records in decisive relay victoriesover host Australia on the final day of Olympic swimming.
Jenny Thompson won her eighth career relay gold — her 10th medaloverall — and Gary Hall Jr. overpowered Aussie Michael Klim on theanchor leg as the Americans won the women’s and men’s 400-metermedley relays.
But a raucous Aussie crowd had something to cheer about, too.
Grant Hackett and Kieren Perkins went 1-2 in the grueling 1,500freestyle, continuing their country’s dominance in the mile.
Men’s Relay Wins on Final Kick
In the men’s 400 medley relay, the team of Lenny Krayzelburg, EdMoses, Ian Crocker and Hall won in 3 minutes, 33.73 seconds,lowering the mark of 3:34.84 set by Americans at the 1996 AtlantaGames.
“With those guys, it’s so inspiring,” said Crocker, a18-year-old from Portland, Maine. “I always get nervous before Iswim. They calmed me down and told me to have fun.”
It was Krayzelburg’s third gold after victories in the 100 and200 backstrokes. Hall picked up his second gold after tyingteammate Anthony Ervin in the 50 freestyle Friday. Moses had wonsilver in the 100 breaststroke.
The United States won 33 medals, including 14 golds, during theeight-day meet in which 14 world records were set or tied at theSydney International Aquatic Center. The host Australians claimed18 medals and five golds.
After accepting their golds, the U.S. men unfurled a bannerreading: “Sydney 2000. In our hearts forever. Thanks Australia.”
Historic Day for Thompson
In the women’s relay, B.J. Bedford, Megan Quann, Thompson andDara Torres won in 3:58.30, erasing the mark of 4:01.67 set byChina at the 1994 world championships.
“By the time Jenny got in the pool, I knew we had the worldrecord. I knew,” said Quann, who won gold in the 100 breaststroke.
Related Stories
ABC News Live