Solid gold: Jordan rules Beijing pool

Cortney Jordan couldn't have imagined a better finish.

The 17-year-old swimmer from Henderson completed a strong run at the Paralympic Games in Beijing on Sunday, winning the gold medal in the women's 50-meter freestyle.

Jordan, a senior at Coronado High School who has cerebral palsy, set a Paralympic record of 33.84 seconds in winning her fourth medal in six events.

"I saw myself on the screen and couldn't believe it," Jordan said. "It was unbelievable.

"I felt really prepared. The other races (in Beijing) have given me a lot of experience and I was ready to go out and get another medal."

Jordan was competing in her first Paralympics. She also won silver medals in the 100 and 400 freestyles and bronze in the 200 individual medley. She was shut out in her other two events, the 50 butterfly and 100 backstroke.

In both of her silver-medal performances, Jordan finished behind American teammate Erin Popovich. On Sunday, Popovich took second to Jordan in the 50 free as the two shared the podium for a third time at the Water Cube.

"I didn't think I'd be as fast without Erin," Jordan said. "We push each other. I just feel more confident in the ready room when she's there."

Popovich, a three-time Paralympian, said: "I couldn't be more excited for Cortney. She is a true competitor through and through, and she's proven that she's the best in the world. I put my best effort forth, but Cortney had a phenomenal swim and she deserves the gold."

Team USA won 44 medals in the pool, including 17 golds as the swimming competition concluded Monday.