The relentless progress seen in the water this past week was not confined to Missouri and Melbourne. At St Petersburg, Anastasia Zueva (RUS) set a European record of 59.64 to win her national 100m backstroke title.

The time wipes out the 59.87 record set by Laure Manaudou (FRA) when finishing second to world record holder (now on 59.21) Natalie Coughlin (USA) at Melbourne 2007.

The pressure on Manaudou to go beyond that fabulous peak of Melbourne 2007 is mounting. Coach Philippe Lucas knew it would come. We assume that Manaudou and current coach Lionel Horter at Mulhouse have also seen the writing on the wall and have been preparing for a speedier future.

The Australian trials, among other events, are likely to add to the siege that Manaudou would inevitably find herself facing in Olympic year.