Swimming-Lenton powers to 100 metres freestyle gold medal

MELBOURNE, Mar 30 (Reuters) Australian Libby Lenton won the women's 100 metres freestyle final today to collect her third gold medal at the world swimming championships.

The 22-year-old Lenton won the blue-riband sprint in 53.40 seconds, equalling the second fastest time in history, just 0.10 outside Britta Steffen's world record of 53.30.

Marleen Veldhuis of the Netherlands finished second in 53.70 after leading the field at the turn under world record pace and Steffen was third in 53.74.

Natalie Coughlin of the United States finished fourth after going into the final as the fastest qualifier.

Lenton, who held the previous world record at 53.42 before Steffen broke it at last year's European championships, won gold in the Australian 4x100 freestyle relay on Sunday and a second in the 100 butterfly.

REUTERS SAM HS1541