• London 2012 - Swimming

GB fifth in relay as Halsall books final spot

ESPN staff
August 1, 2012
Fran Halsall booked her place in the 100m freestyle final © PA Photos
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United States produced a clinical display to grab America's eighth gold medal in the pool at London 2012 with victory in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

Schedule
Results
Medal Table

Teenage prodigy Missy Franklin swam her leg brilliantly, moving two hundredths of a second ahead of the field at the final turn, only to tire in the closing stages and be overtaken by France and Australia.

Australia moved to the front but a fierce battle with United States developed as the race entered its key period. Alicia Coutts set off on her four-length leg with a healthy lead but Allison Schmitt quickly ate into the Australian's advantage, eventually winning gold in an Olympic record time of 7:42.92.

Australia took silver with France claiming bronze. Britain delivered a solid swim but were only good enough for fifth place.

The 200m butterfly final saw Jemma Lowe enjoy a flying start for Great Britain, but after turning in third at the 50m mark, she ultimately finished outside the medals in sixth place. Producing a swim full of energy, but lacking in rhythm, Lowe touched in a time of 2:06.80, but Jiao Liuyang claimed gold for China in an Olympic record performance.

Elsewhere, Fran Halsall qualified for the women's 100m freestyle final. Clocking a time of 53.77s, Halsall found the pace tough to deal with as she finished her semi in fourth, and she has a mountain to climb if she is to medal.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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