BEIJING -- The United States swimmers shattered their own 4X100 freestyle relay world record again in the most intense race so far at the Beijing Games here on Monday.

American quartet of Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and Jason Lezak recorded 3:08.24, out-touching the French rivals by 0.08 seconds. The new world record is 3.99 seconds faster than the previous one they set in Sunday's heats.

 

Gold medallist Rebecca Adlington (L) of Britain celebrates with teammate Joanne Jackson (R) after winning the women's 400 meters freestyle swimming final during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 11, 2008. [Agencies]

Australia took the bronze in 3:09.91.

Phelps led off the race placing second after Australian top sprinter Eamon Sullivan. But the French swimmers moved up in the water and locked themselves in a head-to-head battle with the Americans in the second and third leg. The cheers of about 17,000 spectators sent the bubble-shaped facility to shivers.

American last leg swimmer Lezak charged strongly in the final 50 meters to outstroke French anchor leg Alain Bernard.

Phelps, taking his second gold in Beijing, appeared to be overjoyed by the race.

"It was unbelievable," Phelps said after the race, "Jason finished the race better than we could have asked for. At the end, as you could see I was pretty excited. I lost my voice, and I was very emotional."

The Americans hugged each other in rapture after the victory, and lingered besides the pool, seemingly to recover from the ecstasy.