Olympic champion sets new world record
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-11-21 10:06

France's Olympic 400 metres champion Laure Manaudou set a new world shortcourse record for the women's 1500 metres in a time of 15min 42.39sec.

France's Olympic 400 metres champion Laure Manaudou set a new world shortcourse record for the women's 1500 metres here Saturday in a time of 15min 42.39sec. [AFP]

Manaudou, one of the biggest swimming talents France has produced in years, swam alone at the meet which featured mainly junior races but that did not put the 18-year-old off as she beat the record held by Petra Schneider by almost a minute.

Schneider, from East Germany, had set a record of 15:43.30 on January 10, 1982 in Gainesville in the United States.

In the process Manaudou also set a new France record for the discipline, which she had already done unofficially in a time of 16:06.59 last week although that time was not validated because she had raced against a field of male swimmers.

Manaudou, who in Athens also picked up a silver (800m) and bronze medal (100m backstroke), said: "I'm a bit surprised by the time, mostly because I didn't really go out with the record in mind.

"I didn't even know how well I was doing during the race, but at least it shows I can swim (the distance) fast - even though I've had a mediocre week in training."

The French teenager added: "A world record is a bit like a French record for me, but later I would like to add the 400 metres record too."

Her coach Philippe Lucas said: "She can produce some amazing results during difficult time because she's champion material."

Manaudou will now set her sights on success at the upcoming European Championships in Vienna on December 9-12.

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