Rice wins gold, smashes world record

Australia's Stephanie Rice, making her Olympic debut in Beijing, smashed the world record in her quest for the first Olympic gold in women's 400m individual medley.

Rice's rivalry with 400m individual medley bronze medallist Katie Hoff was billed as one of the best in Beijing after Hoff won both individual medleys at the last two World Championships.

Earlier, swimming superstar Michael Phelps launched his quest for Games immortality by winning the first of a potential eight gold medals.