100 metres Freestyle, Men

The favorite in this event was Australian James Magnussen, who earlier in the year had recorded a textile world best of 47.10, and was the defending World Champion. His challengers were felt to be Brazilian César Cielo Filho, the skinsuit world record holder and 2008 gold medalist in the 50 free, and Canadian Brent Hayden, who was runner-up to Magnussen at the 2011 Worlds, and was co-champion at the 2007 Worlds. France’s Yannick Agnel, who had dominated the anchor leg of the 4×100 freestyle relay to secure the French gold medal in that event, was also highly considered.

In the final Cielo went out ahead, leading at 50 in 22.60, with Hayden second and Magnussen well behind in fifth. American Nathan Adrian was in third place at the turn. But Magnussen had the fastest finish and at 75 metres had pulled even with Adrian, as they took the lead. The finish was as close as could be, without a tie, Adrian out-touching Magnussen for the gold, 47.52 to 47.53 seconds. Hayden held on for the bronze medal, with Agnel just missing out in fourth. Cielo could not finish and dropped back to sixth.