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Illegal kicks may have cost Sprenger gold

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Illegal kicks may have cost Oz gold

3News NZ

Cameron van der Burgh (AAP)

Cameron van der Burgh (AAP)

Australian officials are unlikely to appeal despite video footage suggesting South African Cameron van der Burgh should have been disqualified as he beat Christian Sprenger to gold in the 100m breaststroke in London.

Underwater vision shows van der Burgh performing three `dolphin kicks' at the start of the race but, under FINA rules, each swimmer is allowed only one.

Van der Burgh won the Olympic event in a world record time of 58.46 seconds, almost half a second ahead of Sprenger, who was delighted to claim silver.

It is understood Swimming Australia is aware of the issue but it's unlikely they will take any action.

FINA doesn't not use underwater technology to judge competitors.

A dolphin kick, where both feet are used together, gives extra power at the start of the race.

Former Olympic swimmer and Channel Nine commentator Grant Hackett said FINA should consider using underwater vision to police the rule.

NZN

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Total
United States of America462929104
People's Republic of China38272388
Great Britain29171965
Russian Federation24263282
South Korea138728
New Zealand62513
All the medals