BEIJING (AP) - Natalie Coughlin of the United States has won the

Olympic 100-meter backstroke, becoming the first woman to ever

defend her title in the event.

Coughlin finished in 58.96 seconds, briefly going under

world-record pace at the 50.

World record-holder Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe earned the

silver in 59.19. American Margaret Hoelzer took the bronze in

59.34. Six of the eight finalists swam under 1 minute.

Coughlin earned her second medal of the Beijing Games, having

won a silver in the 400 freestyle relay. Coventry was the silver

medalist in the 400 individual medley.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)