Durban, Day 1: Great start with five World Cup records

The evening session saw World Cup records set by Schoeman in the 50 metres breaststroke (25.90) and 50 metres butterfly (22.32), the American pair of Jessica Hardy in the 100 metres breaststroke (1:04.15) and Peter Marshall in the 100 metres backstroke (46.40), Sweden’s Therese Alshammar in the 100 metres butterfly (56.12) and Dutch swimmer Hinkelien Schreuder in the 50 metres backstroke (26.55).

Remarking on his breaststroke win over van der Burgh who finished second in 25.94, Schoeman said: “I haven’t swam breaststroke in quite a while and it was a fun race for me. I knew if I did a good turn off the wall at halfway, I would have a chance. Van der Burgh is a great competitor and trains really hard, so I was delighted to get the win here.”

Van der Burgh, holder of the 50 metres world record in 25.43, said: “Going into the race as world record-holder and getting beaten by Schoeman was a bit of a reality check for me but it was a good sign as to where I am in my training at the moment. I always planned on being in top condition for the FINA/Arena Swimming World Cup legs in Europe, but well done to Schoeman on a superb swim.”

In reaction to his World Cup record in the 50 metres butterfly, Schoeman reflected: “Lots of people have written me off after a quiet 2009 swim season, but I am still here and far from finished. It was just great to be able to put together a performance like this in front of our South African crowd.”

For Durban-based Le Clos, 17, it was a night to remember as he set South African records in the 400 metres individual medley (4:05.04) and 200 metres butterfly (1:54.45).

His win over fellow KwaZulu Natal swimmer Riaan Schoeman, the South African national champion in the event who ended second in 4:08.00, brought the crowd to their feet inside the Kings Park Aquatic Centre.

“I will remember this night for a long time,” said a beaming Le Clos.

“I just went out hard from the start and focused all the way. I still can’t believe my time.”

Sweden’s Therese Alshammar in addition to breaking the World Cup record  in the 100 Butterfly held of Dutch swimmer Hinkelien Schreuder in the 50 Freestyle in an exciting finish that had the crowd on their feet once again.