De Bruijn defends 50m title

Inge de Bruijn of the Netherlands delivered a strong finish to successfully defend her Olympic women's 50m freestyle crown in Athens.

The 30-year-old world record holder burst away from the field in the last 15m to win in 24.58 seconds.

France's Malia Metella, who was ranked third in the world coming into the event, took silver in a new French record time of 24.89.

Australia's Lisbeth Lenton claimed her spot on the podium with bronze.

"It's an amazing feeling," said De Bruijn.

"A gold on the last day of the programme, what a climax.

"It's unbelievable how it feels, I can't find the words to express it."

De Bruijn is the first woman to successfully defend the Olympic 50m freestyle crown since the event was introduced 16 years ago.

Her victory will bring her some comfort after she had to settle for bronze in the 100m butterfly and silver in the 100m freestyle - titles she had won at the Sydney Games.