The Australian quartet wins gold medal??in women's 4X100 medley relay of the Beijing Olympic Games??on August 17,2008.[Xinhua Photo]

China ?wins?bronze medal in women's 4X100 medley relay of the Beijing Olympic Games on August 17,2008.[Xinhua Photo]

The Australian quartet beat the United States here Sunday in women's women's 4X100 medley relay and shortened their own world record by more than three seconds.

Despite a relatively back place after the first leg, Australia's Leisel Jones overtook the United States, Russia and Germany after the second leg and the Aussie women kept the lead to the end.

The United States finished second in three minutes and 53.30 seconds. China, after a relatively slow start, managed to catch up and finished third.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17,2008)