Lithuanian schoolgirl has become the first swimmer to win a medal for her country after producing the race of her life to take the 100 metre breaststroke title.
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| Ruta Meilutyte was left completely speechless after winning gold in the 100-meter backstroke. |
London: The 15 year-old, who is coached by Jon Rudd at Plymouth Leander and studies at Plymouth College which is the same school as diver Tom Daley, finished in a time of 1 min, 5.47 secs to clinch Olympic gold.
Her performance was even more impressive considering that the start, a time when swimmers are already battling their nerves, was delayed by a technical malfunction that saw the starter's gun go off before he had called "on your marks".
American Breeja Larson dived into the pool on the gun but was able to race because of the malfunction.
The eight finalists sat down while the problem was fixed and an unfazed Meilutyte still got off the blocks fastest, and led at the turn, but then had to survive a fierce challenge from American Rebecca Soni, the reigning world champion in the event.
The more experienced Soni drew level in the final few strokes but Meilutyte kept her cool and got her hands on the wall first.
