World record eases Boyle to second in World Cup swimming

Spanish swimming star Mireia Belmonte Garcia produced a stunning world record to beat off the challenge from New Zealand’s Lauren Boyle at the FINA World Cup meet in Berlin yesterday.

After Boyle dominated the 800m freestyle, Garcia took control today to win in a stunning 7:59.34 which broke the championship record set by the New Zealander in Eindhoven mid-week and the world record set by Camille Muffat (FRA) last year.

Boyle finished second to the double Olympic silver medallist in 8:02.53 in another world class performance with former double world champion Lotte Friis (DEN) a distance back in third place.

Garcia began strongly before the Kiwi edged in front at the 200m mark before the Spaniard regained the lead at 350m, going through the halfway point under four minutes.

It was another world class effort from Boyle who faces one more test in the 400m freestyle tomorrow before a well-earned break from the sport.

Earlier North Shore teammate Shaun Burnett was 12th in the 200m butterfly in 1:58.19 and 22nd in the 50m butterfly in 25.28.

Finals result: Women 800m freestyle: Mireia Belmonte Garcia (ESP) 7:59.34, 1 (World Record); Lauren Boyle (NZL) 8:02.53, 2; Lotte Friis 8:12.14, 3.