Cielo Filho gives Brazil first gold

By Simon Evans

BEIJING (Reuters) - Cesar Cielo Filho became the first Brazilian to win an Olympic swimming gold medal when he won the men's 50 meters freestyle at the Beijing Olympics on Saturday.

Filho thrashed his way down Beijing's Water Cube in 21.30 seconds, just 0.02 outside Australian Eamon Sullivan's world record of 21.28.

"I'm so so happy, I'm lost for words," said Filho. "I was so nervous before the race, I did it. It was my best race ever."

France's Amaury Leveaux finished second in 21.45 seconds to collect his second silver in Beijing after France finished second in the 4x100 freestyle relay a week ago.

Leveaux's team mate, 100 gold medalist Alain Bernard, was third in 21.49.

"I'm the silver medal winner and I'm going to enjoy every bit of it," said Leveaux.

"There are two Frenchmen on the podium. We won medals in a race that has been dominated for years by madmen. It's crazy."

Bernard, who admitted to nerves causing his legs to shake on the blocks before he won the 100 freestyle final, said he had a similar attack on the blocks on Saturday.

"My legs were shaking on the block. It was my best time. I was a little tired after all those emotions (from winning the 100)," he said.

"I'm going to go have a drink now."

Sullivan, who finished runner-up in the 100 after going into that race as the world record holder, finished sixth but is already looking ahead to the 2012 Olympics in London.

"I wasn't really that close to my best, but I gave it all I had, so it will be good to leave here with no excuses," he said.

"That is sport, you just have to admit when you are beaten by a better bloke on the day.

"We have a big and long preparation for London ahead of us but I am coming out of Beijing with lots of positives and negatives.

"It has been an amazing meet and I have learned so much."

(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)