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Saturday, 3 August, 2002, 19:27 GMT 20:27 UK
Sheppard secures Scottish gold
Scotland's Alison Sheppard lived up to her billing as the clear favourite to win gold in the women's 50m freestyle.
She becomes the first Scottish female swimmer to win Commonwealth Games gold since 1954.
Sheppard said: "I was so excited to win here. It's almost home - it's just down the road.
"It's been a long time coming. Tonight wasn't faster than the semis, but I just wanted to win."
Sheppard clocked a time of 24.76 seconds - well over half a second faster than silver medallist Jodie Henry of Australia in the short sprint.
New Zealand's Toni Jeffs won the bronze.
In the women's 100m breaststroke, only a late charge from South Africa's Sarah Poewe prevented Australia from clinching a one-two-three.
Leisel Jones led from start to finish to get the gold, with compatriot Brooke Hanson following closely behind.
Tarne White looked set to complete the Aussie domination, but Poewe finished strongly to snatch bronze.
"I've never gone into a race as favourite before, so that was a bit different," said Jones.
"I expected Poewe to win it this evening."
Australia's Dyana Calub broke her own Commonwealth Games record to win 50m backstroke gold in 28.98secs.
Jennifer Carroll had looked on course to clinch Canada's first swimming gold in Manchester, but Calub timed her charge home to perfection.
The victory was especially sweet for the Aussie since she had reconstructive knee surgery only last year.
Australia had further cause to cheer in the final medal decider of the night.
Yet another Games record fell as the 4x100m freestyle relay team finished in 3 minutes 40.41secs to beat England for gold.
Canada edged out Scotland for bronze.
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