Australian Olympic rookie Stephanie Rice came from behind to claim her second victory with a world record again in the women's 200-meter individual medley final of the Beijing Games on Wednesday.

With American Natalie Coughlin and Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe changing the leads in the first 150 meters, the 20-year-old Rice burst out in the final meters to grab the title in two minutes and 8.45 seconds, slicing 0.47 seconds off the previous world record set by herself at the Australian Olympic trials this March.

"It was such a tough race. I really struggled getting in. I am so glad I put it out there this morning," said Rice. "It's really good being next to Natalie. She pushed me through the first 100 meters. And Kirsty swam amazing as always."

Coughlin qualified for the final with the fourth fastest result in Tuesday's semifinals and completed the opening lap in butterfly first in 27.29.

But the 26-year-old was a little bit off the pace since powerful rivals Rice and Coventry began speeding up, finally taking the bronze in 2:10.34 after defending her Olympic title in Tuesday's women's 100-meter backstroke.

Swimming next to Coughlin in Lane 5, the versatile Rice chased the world record mark vehemently, then surpassed top qualifier Coventry by last stroke.

Coventry, who turns 25 next month, led the race after the first turn, but faded a little in the last strokes to touch the wall 0.14 second behind Rice.

This is the third silver medal for Coventry as the national treasure of Zimbabwe finished second both in the 400-meter individual medley and the 100-meter backstroke event.

Rice beat top favorite Katie Hoff from the United States in the 400-meter individual medley, pocketing her first Olympic gold Sunday with a new world record.

Source:Xinhua