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By CHIA HAN KEONG
TAO LI was thwarted in her quest to land Singapore's first Olympic medal in 48 years, finishing fifth in the 100m butterfly final yesterday.
The swimmer had given herself a good chance at clinching a medal when she qualified fourth best for the final, with an Asian-record time of 57.54sec on Sunday.
However, the 18-year-old failed to find her best form in the final, and had to settle for a time of 57.99.
Australia's Libby Trickett won the event in 56.73, with the United States' Christine Magnuson in second (57.10) and another Australian Jessicah Schipper third (57.25).
China's Zhou Yafei, the previous Asian record holder, edged into fourth place with 57.84.
While Tao cut a disappointed figure when she climbed out of the pool, she became her cheerful self soon after.
She told The Straits Times: "If anyone told me I'd clock 57.54 before the Olympics, I would not have believed them."
"I pushed myself today, but was just too tired after two big races in the heats and semi-finals."
"It was a great experience to swim with the best swimmers in the world. To swim alongside one of my idols, Libby Trickett, is just incredible. The top three swimmers were just too good."
Trickett also took the time to give encouragement to her Singaporean fan.
She said: "I think people underestimate how hard it is to get to be one of the top eight swimmers at an Olympic Games.
"So, it's a wonderful achievement for Tao Li. I think she has a very bright future."
During the final, a poor opening lap cost Tao the chance of any medal, as she fell into seventh place, clocking 27.29.
Much as she tried to launch her typically-strong finishing lap, she could not make up enough ground to overtake Schipper and Zhou.
Tao will next take part in the 200m fly, which starts today.
There was also bad news at the badminton courts for Singapore.
Top men's shuttler Ronald Susilo crashed out in straight sets to Malaysian world No.2 Lee Chong Wei 21-13, 21-4.
Susilo started strongly in both sets, but seemed to lose focus midway as Lee smashed his way to victory.
The Singapore player had also met a top-seeded player in the first round of the Athens Games four years ago.
However, he declined to blame the "bad luck" of the draw for his loss, and praised Lee for being the better player.
"What happened four years ago is history, I've forgotten about it," he told The Straits Times.
hankeong@sph.com.sg
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