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World records crumble

American-born Milorad Cavic of Serbia and the Dutch women's freestyle team broke three world records Friday at the European Short Course Swimming Championships.

Cavic -- a 19-year-old native of Anaheim, California, who swims for both the University of California and his parents' Serbian homeland -- beat the previous record-holder, Thomas Rupprath of Germany, in the 100m butterfly final. Cavic's time of 50.02 seconds was .08 faster than Rupprath's previous world best set in January 2002.

Rupprath, in the next lane, gave Cavic an approving pat on the back of the head as his world record was announced in Ireland's National Aquatic Center. Rupprath, who fell half a second behind Cavic at half way, finished second in 50.43.

The Dutch women's 200m freestyle team, meanwhile, twice shattered a world record in a single day.

In a morning heat, Hinkelien Schreuder, Annabel Kosten, Chantal Groot and Marleen Veldhuis combined for 1 minute, 38.13 seconds, shaving .08 off Sweden's previous world best set at the European championships three years ago.

In the afternoon final, the Dutch women faced a stern test from both Sweden and Germany. But they pulled decisively ahead thanks to anchor Veldhuis, who completed her 50m in 23.50, to post 1:37.52.
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