France's Manaudou wins men's 50m freestyle gold

LONDON (AFP) –

France’s Florent Manaudou sticks his tongue out after winning gold in the men’s 50m freestyle final during the swimming event at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Park.

Frenchman Florent Manaudou charged to a shock Olympic gold medal in the men’s 50m freestyle swimming final on Friday.

Manaudou, 21, the younger brother of former Olympic women’s 400m freestyle champion Laure, hit the wall in 21.34secs to win the furious one-lap dash.

Cullen Jones of the United States took the silver in 21.54sec, with Brazilian world record holder Cesar Cielo claiming bronze in 21.59sec.

“If I had not believed, I would not have finished first today,” said Manaudou, the youngest swimmer in the final.

“I thought that I had to be more relaxed in the final. I knew that was the key to a 50m, I have always said that I could do it in an Olympic final.

“It’s really great. The qualifying series was the hardest.

“For the final, I thought that I had reached my level and now it’s just fun.”

Jones said the silver medal would give him motivation to swim on to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

France’s Florent Manaudou reacts after winning the men’s 50m freestyle final at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“The time wasn’t too bad, I am thankful I got second. I was dreaming of gold and I really wanted first, but I’ll have to live with silver and that is enough motivation for another four years,” Jones said.

Cielo’s world record of 20.91sec still stands and he is relieved to have come away from the Olympics with a medal.

“I wasn’t too disappointed, because at least I got a medal, but I wasn’t feeling well,” Cielo said.

“It was my fourth day of competition and I was tired. I wasn’t as good as I was yesterday.

“I am satisfied with my training, but I will make a few changes for Rio.”

Cielo’s teammate Bruno Fratus was fourth, ahead of American Anthony Ervin.