Olympic Upset! American Takes Gold in Breaststroke

Rebecca Soni Photo by: David J. Phillip / AP

It was one of the biggest upsets of the Olympics so far – American swimmer Rebecca Soni claimed the gold medal in the women's 200-meter breaststroke Friday with a world-record time of 2:20.22.

In her wake? Australia's Leisel Jones, a favorite in the race and the previous world-record holder. (Earlier in the week, Jones won gold in the 100-meter breaststroke.) Jones pulled ahead early but struggled at the end, finishing in 2:22.05.

"It just flowed," said Soni, who also claimed silver in the 100-meter breaststroke. "I tried to keep my stroke strong. It's something I've been working on through the trials."

Norway's Sara Nordenstam won the bronze, with a time of 2:23.02.
– Cynthia Wang