Adlington wins women's 800 freestyle at worlds
Friday, July 29, 2011
SHANGHAI (AP) -- Olympic champion and world record holder Rebecca Adlington of Britain took the lead for good on the final lap and won the women's 800-meter freestyle at the world swimming championships.
Adlington and defending champion Lotte Friis of Denmark, winner of the 1,500-meter race, had a race-long duel, with the lead changing hands several times over the last 400 meters.
Adlington was behind by about a half-second at the 750-mark, but powered home to finish in 8 minutes, 17.51 seconds.
Friis took the silver in 8:18.20 and Kate Ziegler of the United States earned the bronze in 8:23.36.
It was Britain's first gold in the pool.
