BEIJING – Incoming Georgia freshman Allison Schmitt won a bronze medal as a member of the women’s 800-meter freestyle relay on Thursday at the Olympics.

Schmitt, a native of Canton, Mich., led off the relay that set the American record with a time of 7:46.33. Natalie Coughlin, Caroline Burckle and Katie Hoff joined Schmitt on the relay.

Australia’s Stephanie Rice, Bronte Barratt, Kylie Palmer and Linda Mackenzie touched in 7:44.31, lowering the world record mark of 7:50.09 set by the United States at the 2007 World Championships in Australia.

The Chinese team of Yang Yu, Zhu Qianwei, Tan Miao and Pang Jiaying took the silver in 7:45.93.

Georgia coach Jack Bauerle is serving as the head coach for the United States women1s team at the Olympics.

- Georgia Sports Communications