Adlington claims gold in Women's 400m Freestyle

(BEIJING, August 11) -- The Women's 400m Freestyle was one of most intense events that spectators at the Water Cube witnessed on Monday morning.

Rebecca Adlington of Great Britain took gold in the Women's 400m Freestyle with a time of 4:03.22, beating the "Female Phelps," Katie Hoff (4:03.29) of the United States, who came in second. Joanne Jackson, also from Great Britain, won bronze with a time of 4:03.52.

Laure Manaudou of France took a clear lead in the first 100 meters, but was caught and outswum by Hoff, who remained in the top position until right before the end, when Adlington suddenly overtook her in the last meter to touch the wall first.

"I gave it everything I had possibly, but they got me in the end," said 19-year-old Hoff.

Reigning world and Olympic champion Federica Pellegrini of Italy finished fifth with a time of 4:04.56.

"I just couldn't get myself into shape. We Italians haven't got used to competition in the morning," said the WR holder.