Commonwealth Games: Australia win women's 4x100m freestyle relay in new world record
Last Updated: 24/07/14 11:28pm
Australia’s women produced the marquee performance of the opening day of the Commonwealth Games as they set a new world record in the 4x100m freestyle relay.
Bronte Campbell, Melanie Schlanger, Emma McKeon and Cate Campbell won the gold medal in an historic new mark of 3 minutes 30.98 seconds.
England’s quartet of Siobhan O'Connor, Fran Halsall, Amy Smith and Becki Turner took the silver medal in a British record of 3:35.72.
Australia enjoyed more success elsewhere on the opening day of the Commonwealth Games as Anna Meares claimed a record-equalling fifth gold medal in track cycling.
The Olympic champion led home an Australian 1-2 in the women's 500m time trial, clocking 33:435 to secure victory ahead of Stephanie Morton and England's Jess Varnish.
Meares' triumph saw her join compatriot Bradley McGee on a record five gold medals in track cycling and made her the first athlete to win a medal in track cycling at four different Games.
Hot favourites Canada clinched victory in the rhythmic gymnastics team event while Francesca Jones, Laura Halford and Nikara Jenkins made history by winning Wales' first ever Commonwealth Games team medal in the event.
An all-round consistent performance saw them take silver, with Jones especially impressive on the way to a second-placed finish in the qualifications for the individual all-around.
India were the dominant force in the weightlifting events, as Sanjita Chanu Khumukcham and Sukhen Dey both took gold medals in the women's 48kg and men's 56kg events respectively.