What a race, stroke for stroke for most of an 800m freestyle battle that produced the 2nd and 3rd fastest times ever, and ended with Janet Evans still on the books from 1989 but also with Kate Ziegler (US) of the US snatching the crown in 8:18.52, to Laure Manaudou's 8:18.80.

Back in third, American Hayley Peirsol stopped the clock at 8:26.41.

In winning Ziegler stopped Manaudou (FRA) from becming the first woman ever to win the 200, 400 and 800m free titles.

"Last summer I went 8:24 and I knew that wasn't the best I could do. I've worked very hard at it since. I'm so excited right now," said Ziegler.