Britta Steffen (L) of Germany celebrates during the final of women's 50m freestyle at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Britta Steffen won the gold medal with a new Olympic record of 24.06 seconds.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Britta Steffen continued her winning streak at the Beijing Games here Sunday, pocketing the gold in the 50-meter freestyle with a fingertip advantage.

Steffen set a new Olympic record in 24.06 seconds, edging five-time Olympian U.S. Dara Torres to a second place by 0.01 second.

"I am very happy that I took the lead from the beginning," said Steffen, who already won the women's 100m freestyle gold on Friday. "In the first 20 meters, I noticed Dara Torres beside me. My coach had told me that the last 10 meters would decide the result."

Australia wunderkind Cate Campbell, who is making her maiden Olympic show in Beijing, won bronze in 24.17 seconds.

"At 16 to win an individual Olympic medal is beyond my wildest dreams, it's incredible," said the Aussie girl. "I was in complete shock. Wow, is that a 3 near my name? Not an 8?"

Compbell also gave her complement to Torres, who began to win Olympic medals before Compbell was born. "Dara has come back. She's got a little kid. She's incredible, very inspiring."

Compbell's teammate, world record holder Libby Trickett, was one step off the podium, finishing fourth in 24.25, well of her own personal best.

Britta Steffen of Germany celebrates during the final of women's 50m freestyle at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Britta Steffen won the gold medal in a new olympic record with 24.06 seconds.(Xinhua Photo/Ding Xu) Photo Gallery>>>

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