Cate Campbell broke the 100 freestyle world record on Sunday night in Australia. Swimming at the Australia Grand Prix as part of the Rio Farewell Tour, the 24 year old touched in 52.06.
That time broke Britta Steffen‘s world record of 52.07 by a mere .01. The German woman had posted that time on July 31, 2009 at the World Championships in Rome. When Steffens set the world record the previous mark was just four days old at 52.22. And, that swim was done in a super suit.
In prelims yesterday, Campbell touched in 52.97. Before today, Campbell held the world’s top time this year at 52.38. Her sister Bronte holds the next fastest time of 52.58, now over a half second behind. The Australians also have Emma McKeon currently fifth in the world rankings.
Last night in Omaha, Abbey Weitzeil took down Campbell’s U.S. Open record. Weitzeil’s 53.28 is seventh best in the world this year and stands as the fastest by an American woman heading into Rio this summer.
On Saturday Cate swam a 24.04 in the 50 freestyle. That swim was just off her world leading 23.84. After yesterday’s 50 she told Swimming Australia, “While this is really nice and it’s a great confidence booster you can’t read too much into it.”
Photo Courtesy: HyTech Live Results
Saturday night!