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O'Neill equals Fraser's medal haul
SYDNEY, Sept 23 (AFP) - Australia's Madame Butterfly Susie O'Neill may have had her crown snatched from her at the Sydney Games but she bows out of competition having equalled the Olympic medal total of Dawn Fraser. O'Neill's silver in the 4x100m medley relay on the last day of competition put her level with Fraser's medal tally even though she failed to emulate the swimming legend in successfully defending a title. Both women have achieved eight Olympic medals over their swimming careers - O'Neill has two gold, four silver and two bronze to Fraser's four gold and four silver. "This was the most fun I've had. I just wanted to enjoy my last swim at the Olympics. It was pretty emotional," said O'Neill, after Australia came second to the United States's women's relay team who set a new world record of 3:58.30, crushing the previous record of 4:01.67 set by China in 1994. O'Neill said she achieved more in her career than she had ever dreamed. "It's hard to put into words but I can't believe what's happened over my career," said the 27-year-old. O'Neill earlier in the week missed her chance to join the handful of women who have successfully defended an Olympic title. She broke down in tears after her attempt to hold on to her 200m butterfly crown was thwarted by America's Misty Hyman. Afterwards O'Neill went on to win silver again when the favoured Australians were edged out by the United States in the 4x200m freestyle relay.
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