Michael Phelps (US) tied Mark Spitz record of eight gold medals Saturday with a heart-stopping last stroke win in the Men's 100m Butterfly. Phelps shot at the record looked all but hopeless when he turned in 7th after the first 50 metres of the final. But a great turn had him within striking distance of leader Milorad Cavic (Serbia) with 25 metres to go. Over the last 25 metres Phelps gradually hauled back Cavic inch by inch, but the task always seemed hopeless. However, with Cavic tiring, Phelps through himself at the wall in the final 5 metres. The crowd held its breath as the swimmers hit the wall, but as has been the case 6 times already this games the name Phelps appeared at the top of the leader board. The super-human American had his 7th gold medal, by the merest of margins, one 100th of a second. Phelps now equals Mark Spitz's record of 7 gold medals at a single Olympics. The was also great news for Australia in the event with Andrew Lauterstein finishing strongly for the Bronze.
Gold - Michael Phelps (US)
Silver - Milorad Cavic (Serbia)
Bronze - Andrew Lauterstein (Australia)
Swimming
In a disappointing couple of days in the pool a couple of Australian favourites had to settle for silver in their respective events. Libby Trickett almost pulled a Kieren Perkins from Lane 8 but collapsed over the last 25 metres to be touched out by Germany's Britta Steffen in the Women's 100m Freestyle. Liesel Jones showed her mental fragility still plagues her. Despite having the 9 fastest times going in to the final of the Women's 200m Breastroke, Jones (again!) left the gold on the table, and allowed Rebecca Soni (US) to take the race and her world record in the process. Michael Phelps (US) won his 6th gold on Friday, cruising to victory in the Men's 200m IM.
Athletics
The world has a new fastest man! Usain Bolt ran faster than any man had run before in taking the gold in the blue ribbon event, the Men's 100m. Bolt treated his rivals with contempt, and despite showboating and easing down in the last 10m he was still able to break his own world record, setting a new time of 9.69. Bolt will go for the sprint double in the 200m. Australia managed its first medal of the track and field program when Jared Tallent taking a bronze in the Men's 20km walk. Australia's Luke Adams finished 6th in the event.
Rowing
Drew Ginn and Duncan Free became Australia's first three-time gold medalists in rowing, taking gold in the Men's Pair. It was a double celebration for Australia with David Crawshay and Scott Brennan taking a surprise gold in the Men's Double Sculls. Australia also grabbed a silver medal in the Men's Four.
Basketball
The Boomers booked their place in the knockout phase of the Men's Basketball tournament with a brilliant with a 95-80 win over Russia. However, they will need to beat Lithuania in the last pool game to avoid a quarter-final match up with the US dream team.
Medal Tally after Day 7
1 - China - 25-9-6 (40)
2 - US - 14-12-18 (44)
3 - Germany - 8-2-4 (14)
7 - Australia - 5-7-8 (20)
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