Aussie women land relay gold

04 August 2002

Australia’s women cap off dominance in the pool with victory in the 4x100m medley relay.

Capping off Australia's great games

The World and defending Commonwealth champions had won this event six times out of fifteen previous stagings, and weren’t prepared to compromise Australia's reputation at Manchester either.

They faced ardent challenges in the shape of South Africa (4:05.06), who surprised all and sundry by sustaining first place, at record-breaking speed right up until the last 100m.

The final leg came down to a battle between Australia’s Dyana Calub and South Africa’s Charlene Lynette Whittstock.

Calub stole the lead in the dying seconds, and brought Australia in a new Games record time (4:05.06).

Jodie Henry said: “It was so great to get out there with these girls – they’re a world championship-winning team. I felt a bit out of it to be honest, but I’m so glad to come up with the goods.”

England topped off an all round impressive display in the pool by breaking the British record for the medley.

Laura Nicholls almost inspired a Canadian comeback, but was unable to get past Georgie Lee who sealed bronze for England (4:05.65).

Lee said: “We were a bit worried that with the athletics coming first at the Games, some of the emphasis might have gone by the time swimming came around. But we weren’t fazed at all. The team has done a professional job – a great job.”

Scotland took a great fifth place, with Wales close behind. Cyprus were eighth.