 In the semi-finals, Van den Hoogenband set a new world record, but Thorpe countered with a time only 0.02 s slower.In an exciting final, Van den Hoogenband equalled his time from the semi-finals to win the gold medal.In the 100 m freestyle, Van den Hoogenband again set a world record in the semi-finals and won his second gold medal, defeating the 1992 and 1996 champion, Alexander Popov.