Germany’s Steffen sets world record in 100 freestyle, 30th new mark in Rome

1 race, 1 WR as Steffen sets 30th mark in Rome

ROME — Germany’s Britta Steffen has set the 30th world record of the world championships in Rome, winning the 100-meter freestyle in 52.07 seconds.

Steffen was trailing Australia’s Libby Trickett at the turn of Friday’s race, but she was too strong for everyone on the return lap. The German broke the mark of 52.22 that she set in the leadoff leg of the 400 free relay last Sunday.

Britain’s Fran Halsall claimed the silver in 52.87, while Trickett held on for the bronze at 52.93. Americans Amanda Weir and Dana Vollmer were out of the medals in fourth and fifth.