Xinhua - US swimmer Natalie Coughlin defended her Olympic title by beating hot favorite Zimbabwean veteran Kirsty Coventry in Tuesday's women's 100-meter backstroke.

Natalie Coughlin of the US removes her goggles after her women's 100m backstroke swimming semifinal at the National Aquatics Centre during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 11, 2008. Coughlin clocked in 58.96 seconds to take the women's 100m backstroke gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Tuesday. [Agencies]

Coughlin led the race from the start and was the first to reach the 50-meter turn with Coventry closely trailing behind. Conventry, who broke Coughlin's world record in Monday's semifinals, tried to catch up in the final 50 meters, but Coughlin managed to finish first.

Coughlin clocked in 58.96 seconds, well off Coventry's world record. Coventry was 0.23 seconds behind, settling for a silver.

"It hasn't really sunken in yet. When I first saw 'One' by my name, I thought I had made a mistake. It was such a fast time," Coughlin said excitedly.

Another US swimmer Margaret Hoelzer won bronze in 59.34 seconds.

"It's my first Olympic medal. It was really fantastic, really excited. You know, I knew I had to get out fast. Right now I just want to sit down and my legs are so tired," Hoelzer said.

France's Laure Manaudou, Athens bronze medalist, failed to reach the podium, ranked seventh.