Olympic Games 2008

Africa wins its first medal, Phelps as well

Article published on the 2008-08-10 Latest update 2008-08-11 09:23 TU

Kristy Coventry became the first African to win a medal at the Beijing games.
(Photo : Reuters)

Kristy Coventry from Zimbabwe became the first African to win a medal at the Beijing games, taking silver in the 4x100 metres womens freestyle relay. She came just 0.44 seconds behind Australia’s Katie Price, who set a new world record.

American Swimmer Michael Phelps started out his quest for Olympic glory in a convincing fashion on Sunday by smashing his own world record in the 4x100 men’s freestyle relay, in what was the first of a potential eight gold medals.

Phelps made it known before the games that he wants to break Mark Spitz's 36-year old record of seven golds at one Games.

It was a big day for the United States in the pool, where they won five medals, including two golds.

But China were steadily building a lead at the head of the medal table winning four further events to have six gold ahead of South Korea's three as the weather broke in Beijing and torrential rain disrupted tennis and archery.

By the end of the second full day of competition, the United States also struck a psychological blow against the hosts when their collection of multi-millionaire NBA stars outclassed China 101-70 in men's basketball.

And in an emotional moment, while their countries battled on, a Georgian and a Russian athlete embraced on the podium. Following the women’s 10m air pistol shooting event, Natalia Paderina of Russia and Nino Salukvadze of Georgia kissed and called for friendship between their peoples.