Franklin sinks world record to clinch 200m backstroke gold

America's 17-year-old swimming sensation Missy Franklin smashed the world record to win the Olympic women's 200 metres backstroke final in London.

America's 17-year-old swimming sensation Missy Franklin smashed the world record to win the Olympic women's 200 metres backstroke final in London.

HT Image

Franklin, who took the 100m title on Monday, wiped half a second off the record and destroyed the field to win in two minutes, 4.06 seconds on Friday.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so happy, I've dreamed about this moment for my entire life," Franklin said in televised comments.

Russia's Anastasia Zueva took the silver in a close race for second in 2:05.92, with Elizabeth Biesel of the US claiming the bronze half a second back.

"I am really pleased with the result. I am happy with my time, it's my personal best," said Zueva, the 2011 world champion in the 50m backstroke.