Liu Xiang breaks world record in women's 50m backstroke at Asiad

Chinese swimmer Liu Xiang set a new world record of 26.98 seconds in the women's 50m backstroke final at the Asian Games.Liu, the Asian record holder in 50m freestyle, led the 50m   backstroke from the start to the end, clocking a time of 26.98 seconds for the   new world record.
The previous world mark of 27.06 was set up by China's   former world champion Zhao Jing in July 30, 2009 while the previous Asian record   was held by Gao Chang of 27.48.

Liu Xiang of China is on her way to win the gold medal in the women's 50m Backstroke final of the Swimming events at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, 21 August 2018. [Photo: IC]

"It was like a dream. I did not expect to   do that! In fact, it was not my favorite event," said Liu, who holds the Asian   record in 50m freestyle in 24.04.
"I improved my under-water legs in the   last few months when we trained in the United States, and I think that made me   better," said Liu, who won a bronze medal from 50m backstroke in 2015 World   Championships in Kazan.
Liu said she did not perform well in the morning   heat with the under-water kicks. "My coach He Xinzhong told me to pay more   attention on the legs and that helped me dominate the race from the   start."

Liu will compete in 50m freestyle on Aug. 24.

Women's 50m backstroke gold medalist China's Liu Xiang stands on the podium during the swimming competition at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. [Photo: IC]

The 2015   world champion Fu Yuan took the silver medal in 27.68 and Sakai Natsumi of Japan   placed third 27.91.
"I am happy for Liu Xiang. What a great thing that   Liu carries the flag of the world record from our Chinese swimmers. For me, I   recovered from my should injury and I am now 70% in form," Fu said.