United States' Michael Phelps reacts as he wins gold in the final of the men's 100-meter freestyle during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. Associated Press © 2008

With his arms fully outstretched, the American touched in 50.58 seconds, brreaking Cavic's Olympic record of 50.76 set in the semifinals.

Cavic, who was still in mid-stroke at the wall, took the silver in 50.59, a mere 0.01 seconds behind Phelps. Andrew Lauterstein of Australia earned the bronze in 51.12.

It was the first race of these games in which Phelps didn't set a world record.

Crocker, the world record-holder, was fourth in 51.13.

Phelps won the event four years ago in Athens, and Crocker finished second.

(npr.org)