SYDNEY — Australian Stephanie Rice broke the world record in the 400-meter individual medley on the first night of the Australian swimming championships on Saturday.
Rice finished in a time of 4 minutes, 31.46 seconds, taking 1.43 seconds off American Katie Hoff's mark of 4:32.89 set April 1 at last year's world championships in Melbourne.
The eight-day event at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre is also serving as Australia's Olympic qualifying meet.
The 19-year-old took almost six seconds off her personal best time.
"I was so in shock," Rice said. "I saw my time ... but I did not think I would go that fast."
Rice was a bronze medalist at last year's world championships in the event.
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