Kitajima: WR 58.91 100 Breast
2008-08-11
Craig Lord
The reigning champion defends his crown with first sub-59sec blast; Dale Oen second; Duboscq third; Hansen locked out

Kosuke Kitajima (JPN) leapt on to the lane rope and slapped the water in delight after trouncing his rivals in the 100m breaststroke with the first sub-59sec effort, a 58.91 stunner that came off a split of 28.03. Third at the turn, with Alex Dale Oen (NOR) through first in 27.85, Kitajima emerged from his turn level with the Norwegian and within six strokes had take a visible lead. He never looked back. For the last 40m there was no doubt that the champion would retain his status.

The double champion of 2004 was control personified. His stroke never once appeared to break down, his focus steely, his gaze on gold. Dale Oen took silver in 59.20, Hugues Duboscq (FRA) bronze in 59.37, after turning 7th in 28.34 (watch the 200m), and Brendan Hansen (USA) was locked out of the medals on 59.57.