American Natalie Coughlin wins 100 free for 3rd time at Pan Pacs

Coughlin wins 100 free at Pan Pacs

IRVINE, Calif. — Natalie Coughlin of the United States has won the 100-meter freestyle at the Pan Pacific championships for the third time.

The 11-time Olympic medalist touched in 53.67 seconds on Thursday night, lowering the meet record of 53.76 set by American Amanda Weir in 2006. Coughlin won the event that year and also at the 2002 Pan Pacs.

American Dana Vollmer and Emily Seebohm of Australia tied for the silver medal at 53.96. Aussie Yolane Kukla, who led at the turn, was fourth.

Coughlin’s time was third-fastest in the world this year.