After holding the world record for five minutes during yesterday's semi-finals, Frenchman Alain Bernard has won the final of the men's 100m freestyle at the Beijing Olympics.

Bernard edged out current world record holder Eamon Sullivan to win the gold in a time of 47.21 seconds, 0.16 seconds outside the world record set yesterday by the Australian.

Sullivan finished in second for the silver medal in a time of 47.32 seconds.

Two bronze medals will also be awarded following a dead heat for third; American Jason Lezak and Brazilian Cesar Cielo Filho finished equal third with a time of 47.67 seconds.

Former Olympic champion Peter van den Hoogenband from the Netherlands finished in fifth place.

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Tags: beijing olympics, sport, swimming