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Bianchi Takes Debute World Crown

Dec 16, 2012  - Craig Lord

Istanbul, World Short-Course Championships, Day 5 finals:

Women's 100m butterfly

There was nothing in it at the half-way turn but Ilaria Bianchi (ITA) held her cool in 4th on 26.76 on the shoulder of Claire Donohue (USA), 26.30, Jemma Lowe (GBR), 26.54, and Liu Zige (CHN), 26.74. The Italian, leaning on the experience gained on a strong world cup tour this year, returned in 29.37, one of only two sub-30sec splits in the final, for a 56.13 victory.

Liu, her 29.84 return inching her past Lowe, took silver in 56.58, the Brit on 56.66 for a second bronze this week, the first earned in the 200m in day 1 of the meet. Just locked out was 16-year-old Canadian Noemie Thomas, sixth at the turn on 26.85, back in 30.07 for a 56.92 finish. One to watch.

Dubai 2010 compared:

  • Galvez         55.43 CR
  • Alshammar  55.73
  • Vollmer       56.25

History in the making:

World s/c Podiums

  • 2012: 56.13; 56.58; 56.66
  • 2010: 55.43; 55.73; 56.25
  • 2008: 55.89; 56.32; 56.84
  • 2006: 56.61; 57.43; 57.47

Most world titles in this event:  3 - Jenny Thompson (USA) 1997, 99, 2000

World Records

  • WR:  55.05 Diane Bui Duyet (FRA) 12.12.09
  • TB:   55.53 Therese Alshammar (SWE) 06.11.10

All-time textile rankings top 5:

  • 55.43 Galvez Dubai 2010
  • 55.53 Alshammar 2010
  • 55.59 Vollmer 2010
  • 55.95 Trickett 2006
  • 56.34 Coughlin 2002