Libby Lenton’s record-breaking 100m freestyle time of 52.99 seconds will not be recognized by FINA, swimming’s governing body.
Lenton broke the world record and became the first woman to clock below 53 seconds on April 3 in a “Duel in the Pool” event between Australia and the U.S. She was the lead-off swimmer in a mixed 4×100 freestyle relay, swimming her leg against Michael Phelps. FINA decided not to ratify the record because the 4×100 mixed relay is not a recognized FINA event.
“I am a little disappointed because I know in my heart what time I swam and that time is faster than the existing world record,” Lenton said in a statement released by Swimming Australia. “Having said that, the disappointment can take nothing away from the fact I now know I am capable of swimming under 53 seconds.”
Click below to see Libby’s swim…