ATHENS, Greece - Inge de Bruijn of the Netherlands posted the fastest time in the 50-meter freestyle semifinals on Friday in a bid to defend her Olympic title Saturday at age 30.

She won her semifinals heat in 24.56 seconds — well off her world record of 24.13 set at the Sydney Games.

Lisbeth Lenton of Australia had the second-fastest time at 24.90, Malia Metella of France was third at 24.99 and Kara Lynn Joyce of the U.S. was fourth at 25.06.

Veteran U.S. Olympian Jenny Thompson made the finals with the seventh-fastest time (25.17).

Thompson, a 31-year-old in her fourth Olympics, is tied with swimmers Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi and shooter Carl Osburn for most career medals among Americans.

She will attempt to win her record 12th career medal and first individual gold. All but two of her medals have come in relays.

De Bruijn has won a silver and two bronze medals in Athens. She won three golds in Sydney, and feels the weight of expectations this time.

“Everyone expects the same thing, but I’m four years older, four years further along,” she said. “People seem to be disappointed, but I’m totally happy. Of course, I’m aiming for gold. I’ll be trying to win.”

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