Trickett barely makes final of 100-meter freestyle

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BEIJING -- Australia’s world-record holder Libby Trickett almost didn’t make it into the final of the women’s 100-meter freestyle Thursday at the Beijing Olympics.

Trickett finished fourth in her semifinal and ninth overall but got into the final after China’s Pang Jiaying, who touched first in her semifinal, was disqualified for a false start.

American Natalie Coughlin topped the qualifiers by winning her semifinal in 53.70 seconds.

-- Debbie Goffa