BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Australia's golden girl Libby Trickett won a heated race in the women's 100-meter butterfly on Monday, snatching her first individual Olympic gold.
With a solid start, reigning world champion Trickett led all the way to the finish and win the gold in 56.73 seconds.
Trickett was challenged by Christine Magnuson of the United States in the final 15 meters, but managed to hold on for a comfortable win.
Teammate Jessicah Schipper, previously seen as her top rival, was edged by Magnuson, settling for a bronze.
The two Assie simmers hugged across the lane divider as Trickett, in an apparent emotional mood, fought to hold back her tears.
Trickett said the win has greatly relieved her. "Before the race I felt like I was going to vomit, I was so nervous. Then, as I walked out, I felt this amazing sense of calm come over me. I am so relieved. "
Trickett made her Olympic debut in the 2004 Athens Games. Despite high expectations, she ended up with a relay gold and a bronze in 50 meter freestyle. The
Beijing Games is seen by many as a redemption to Trickett.
"To come away with not only a gold medal, but a personal best in these circumstances is really more than I could of dreamed of. (It's) More than anything, I wanted to walk away with no regrets," she said.
Trickett said she was happy for sharing the podium with teammate Schipper. "I get to share the medal ceremony with Jessicah. That's really special because I wouldn't be here without her, that's really important to me."
After the ceremony, Trickett wrapped an Australian national flag and waved excitely to the spectators, while Schipper, known as Australia's "Madam Butterfly", quitely walked behind.
"I was a little bit stressed before I swam. I had a hard time in marshalling. My suit wouldn't zip up and I had to get in an old suit," said Schipper, who won a relay gold in Athens. "I just came in wanting to get better than I did in Athens -- an individual medal."
Silver medalist Magnuson seemed quite happy with her performance.
"I was really relieved. I thought I messed it up at the turn, so I was really excited. It's been an amazing ride. This is what I've been wanting my entire career." she said. "I know my roommates are probably sitting there thinking why is she so happy with the silver, but I'm just so happy to be here."
Host China also staged a fairly good performance. With almost all the Chinese swimming squad on hand, Chinese swimmer Zhou Yafei finished fourth in 57.84.
Editor: Xinhuanet
