South Africa's swimmer Ryke Neethling celebrates after his team's victory in Athens, Greece, Aug.15, 2004. South Africa broke the men's 4x100m freestyle relay world record with three minutes 13.17 seconds, and resulted in the first place.

South Africa broke the men's 4x100m freestyle relay world record Sunday as they took a stunning victory in the Olympic swimming pool.

South Africa posted three minutes 13.17 seconds to shatter Australia's former world mark of 3:13.67 set in Sydney Olympics four years ago.

The Netherlands took silver in 3:14.36 while the United States, led by newly crowned 400m individual medley Olympic champion Michael Phelps, finished third in 3:14.62.

Defending champions Australia had to settle for a disappointed sixth in 3:15.77.