TAO Li wrote herself into Singapore sporting history yesterday, becoming the first Republic swimmer to enter an Olympic final.

In so doing, she has also given herself a good shot at winning the Republic's first medal in 48 years.

The 18-year-old made it to the women's 100m butterfly final yesterday, clocking a personal-best of 57.54sec, the fourth-fastest time in the semi-finals.

She also lowered the Asian record of 58.20 set by China's Zhou Yafei in Melbourne last year for a second straight day. During last Saturday's heats, she had already clocked 57.77.

Australian Libby Trickett had the fastest time of the semi-finals, clocking 57.05.

American Christine Magnuson is second (57.08) while another Australian, Jessicah Schipper, came in third (57.43).

Zhou came in just behind Tao, clocking 57.68.

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