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Coughlin sets second world record in two days

Natalie Coughlin has set her second world record in two days, breaking her own mark in the 100-meter backstroke at the U.S. Olympic trials.
/ Source: The Associated Press

Natalie Coughlin has set her second world record in two days, breaking her own mark in the 100-meter backstroke at the U.S. Olympic trials.

Coughlin became the first woman to break 59 seconds in the backstroke, lunging to the wall in 58.97. A day earlier, she set a world record in the preliminaries of 59.03, just 2 minutes after Hayley McGregory eclipsed Coughlin’s previous mark.

Margaret Hoelzer took second — and a probable Olympic berth — in 59.21. McGregory, who was a recordholder just 24 hours earlier, finished third in 59.42 and failed to make the team.