US swimmer Natalie Coughlin defended her Olympic title by beating hot favorite Zibabwean veteran Kirsty Coventry in Tuesday's women's 100-meter backstroke.

Coughlin led the race from the start and was the first to reach the 50-meter turn with Coventry closely trailing behind. Conventry, who broke Coughlin's world record in Monday's semifinals, tried to catch up in the final 50 meters, but Coughlin managed to finish first.

Cougnlin clocked in 58.96 seconds, well off Coventry's world record. Coventry was 0.23 seconds behind, settling for a silver.

"It hasn't really sunken in yet. When I first saw 'One' by my name, I thought I had made a mistake. It was such a fast time," Coughlin said excitedly.

Another US swimmer Margaret Hoelzer won bronze in 59.34 seconds.

"It's my first Olympic medal. It was really fantastic, really excited. You know, I knew I had to get out fast. Right now I just want to sit down and my legs are so tired," Hoelzer said.

France's Laure Manaudou, Athens bronze medalist, failed to reach podium, ranked seventh. 

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)