Kirsty Coventry set an Olympic record in the preliminaries of the Olympic 100m backstroke today. Auburn's Margaret Hoelzer also advanced to tonight's semifinals.

The relevant portion of the AU release:
First up was Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe) in the 100m backstroke as she won the preliminary with an Olympic-record time of 59.00. The time is a personal best and ranks second all-time in the event. She will occupy lane four in the second heat of the 100m back semifinal tonight.

Also advancing in the 100m back was American Margaret Hoelzer as she finished third in her heat, seventh overall, with a time of 1:00.13. She will swim two lanes over from her former teammate in tonight’s semifinal as she will occupy lane six in the second heat.