The United States swimmers shattered their own 4X100 freestyle relay world record again in the most intense race so far at the Beijing Olympic Games on Monday.

American quartet of Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and Jason Lezak recorded 3:08.24, out-touching the French rivals by 0.08 seconds. The new world record is 3.99 seconds faster than the previous one they set in Sunday's heats.

Australia took the bronze in 3:09.91.

With the presence of President George W. Bush, the Americans had a head-to-head battle with French swimmers, while the cheers of about 17,000 spectators sent the bubble-shaped facility to shivers.

Phelps led off the team to a good start in the first 100 meters, placing second after Australian top sprinter Eamon Sullivan, who set a new world record of 100m in 47.24. But the French swimmers moved up in the water and locked themselves in a two-way game with the Americans in the second and third legs.

American last leg swimmer Lezak charged strongly in the final 50 meters to outstroke French anchor leg Alain Bernard.

"It would have to be in the 'unbelievable' category. And that's the biggest word I know," said American head coach Eddie Reese of Lezak's race.

Phelps, taking his second gold in Beijing, yelled with joy at the poolside. "It was unbelievable," he said after the race, "Jason finished the race better than we could have asked for. At the end, as you could see I was pretty excited. I lost my voice, and I was very emotional."

The Americans hugged each other in rapture after the victory, and lingered besides the pool, seemingly to recover from the ecstasy, while some chanted "USA" in congratulations of the champions.

The upset French swimmers said they had believed in the gold medal until the end.

"I felt that I was in the lead. I knew I had to accelerate but it got harder," said French lead-off Bernard.

"We lost by a few hundredths of a second but life doesn't stop there. The touch made the difference and experience overcame talent," said third-leg swimmer Frederick Bousquet.

(Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2008)