Australia break women's medley relay world record

MELBOURNE, March 31 (Reuters) Australia broke the world record to win the women's 4x100 metres medley relay final at the world swimming champinships today.

The Australian combination of Emily Seebohm, Leisel Jones, Jessicah Schipper and Libby Lenton won the gold in three minutes 55.74 seconds to slice 0.56 off the previous record of 3:56.30 which Australia set at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

The U.S. took the silver medal in 3:58.31 after leading on the opening backstroke leg and China grabbed the bronze in 4:01.97.

Lenton collected her fourth gold medal of the championships after winning the 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly individual titles and the 4x100 freestyle relay. Jones picked up her third after winning the 100-200 breaststroke double.

REUTERS PDS RK1716