After being third at the half-way mark, Japanese swimmer Kosuke Kitajima has stormed home to win gold for Japan in the 100m backstroke final as well as break the world record that was set in 2006.

It is Japan’s first medal on day three at the Beijing Olympics, with Kitajima winning the race in the record time of 58.91 seconds.

The time eclipsed the Olympic record set yesterday in the semi finals by Norwegian Alexander Dale, who won silver in the final in a time of 59.20 seconds.

Hughes Duboscq from France also had a blistering finish; after turning seventh at the fifty metre mark, Duboscq had the second fastest final lap to claim bronze in the time of 59.37 seconds.

The previous world record was set by American Brendan Hansen in 2006 with a time of 59.13 seconds. Hansen finished fourth in today’s final.

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Tags: beijing olympics, sport, swimming