4 x 100 metres Freestyle Relay, Women

With the East German women no longer a factor, as the country no longer existed, there was a new world order in women’s swimming. The United States came in as the favorites, having won the event at the 1991 Worlds and Pan Pacs. After the opening leg of the final, they were only third as China’s Zhuang Yong, gold medalist in the 100 free in Barcelona, split 54.51, the second fastest 100 time ever, and Germany’s Franziska van Almsick was second in 54.99. On the second leg, Dara Torres moved the US into second, but China still led through the second and third legs. China sent out Le Jingyi for their anchor, star of the 1994 World Championships, while the USA countered with Jenny Thompson, silver medalist here in the 100 free who had set the world record in that event at the US Trials. Thompson came home in 54.01, the fastest relay split ever, to earn a gold medal for the USA. China held on for second, while the Germans won bronze.