Bernard produces world best in 100m freestyle

ALAIN Bernard became the first swimmer to record a sub 47-second time in the 100m freestyle.

NO-ONE QUICKER: France's Alain Bernard warmed up for this summer's World Championships with a 100m freestyle record at the French trials (Getty Images)

The 25-year-old Olympic champion clocked 46.94 seconds to win his semi-final at the French championships in Montpelier.

It took just over a tenth off the previous record, set by Australian Eamon Sullivan in Beijing last year and sets up an intriguing clash at this year's World Championships in Rome.

However, Bernard's record remains provisional as his swimsuit has not been approved by world governing body Fina.

"To become the first swimmer to go under 47 seconds and in France, in front of my fans - that is huge," said Bernard.

In total four swimmers have swum quicker than 48 seconds in Montpellier - underlining French dominance of swimming's blue-riband sprint discipline.

By way of contrast, Adam Brown won the recent British Gas national championships in Sheffield in 48.84 secs, followed by Liam Tancock in 48.87 secs and Ross Davenport in 49.17 secs.