BEIJING – Former University of Hawai`i swimmer Melanie Schlanger won her first career Olympic medal in the 4x100 freestyle relay, taking home the bronze, as the Australian relay team finished behind the Netherlands and the United States.

 

Schlanger, who was swimming the third leg of the relay, posted a 100-meter time of 53.85, catapulting the Australian team from seventh into third after three swimmers. Lisbeth Trickett swam the final leg for the Australians, holding on to the bronze medal.

 

The Netherlands set an Olympic record in the race with a time of 3:33.76 and the Australians' time (3:35.05) would have also set an Olympic record.

 

Schlanger, who swam for UH in 2006, also swam in the 4x200 freestyle relay, but the Australians didn't make it past the preliminary rounds.

 

The 21-year-old Schlanger has competed for Australia in the 2007 World Championships and swam in the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships since her time at UH.