Former UBC Thunderbird Hayden tops podium at Commonwealth Games

Source: UBC Sports Info

DELHI, IN - Former UBC Thunderbird swimmer Brent Hayden struck gold for Canada in the men's 100 metre freestyle, topping a world class field with a Commonwealth record 47.98 over the two-lap sprint. Hayden's time is the fastest in the world this year, moving past Michael Phelps' effort of 48.13 from the summer.

Watch the race (CBC)

England's Simon Burnett raced into second place with a time of 48.54, while Australia's Eamon Sullivan faded to third in 48.69.

Hayden, who was the 2007 World Champion in this event, had set a Commonwealth record of 48.18 as the lead-off of Canada's 4x100m relay on Day 1 of the competition in Delhi. His performance on Day 4 was even more impressive, as a win by 0.56 seconds is an eternity in the premier sprint event in the pool.

It's the second gold medal for Canada at the Dr.S.P.M. Aquatics Complex.  Victoria's Ryan Cochrane won the 400m freestyle on the first day of racing.

Canada currently ranks fourth in the medal standings with 22 podium finishes (eight gold, four silver, and 10 bronze) behind Australia (64), England (43), and India (34).