London Olympics: Jiao wins 200 butterfly, Hersey places fourth
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LONDON -- World champion Jiao Liuyang of China consolidated her hold on the 200-meter butterfly Wednesday by winning the event at the Olympics, taking the gold in 2 minutes 4.06 seconds.
American Kathleen Hersey had been considered a serious threat to win based on her impressive showing in the semifinals, in which she had the fastest qualifying time, but she finished fourth in 2:05.78.
The event was highlighted by a slice of history. Spain’s Mireia Belmonte won the silver, her country’s first medal at these Games and said to be the first swimming medal ever won by a Spanish-born woman.
The Lakers’ Pau Gasol, who is here representing his native Spain in basketball, immediately tweeted his approval:
“First medal for our country!! Mireia Belmonte wins the silver medal in the 200m butterfly! #GrandeMireia #London2012”
ALSO:
U.S. swimmer Nathan Adrian wins gold in 100 freestyle
Daniel Gyurta sets world record in men’s 100 breaststroke
Rebecca Soni sets world record in women’s 200-meter breaststroke
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