US silence Aussies in relay

Thompson stunned the Australian public

A superb final leg from Jenny Thompson handed the United States victory at the expense of Australia in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

Australia's Susie O'Neill headed the relay after the first leg with another immaculate performance, considering she was contesting the 200m butterfly just an hour prior to the showpiece event.

The crowd were chanting "Aussie, Aussie" all the way as the home team held on to the lead with Petria Thomas left to swim the final leg.

But Thomas had to contend with the United States' Jenny Thompson and the pair were fighting it out until the final 25 metres when the American pulled clear and touched first to stun the Australian support.

Germany's Kerstin Kielgass ran Thomas close for the silver but had to be content with a bronze.

Britain - with a team of Nicola Jackson, Karen Legg, Janine Belton, Karen Pickering - had to setlle for sixth.