France leave it late to take 4x100m relay gold

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Jeremy Stravius produced a scintillating final leg as France stormed from behind to see off the United States, Russia and Australia and steal 4x100 relay gold at the world championships in Barcelona on Sunday.

France's team members pose with their gold medals at the men's 4x100m freestyle victory ceremony during the World Swimming Championships at the Sant Jordi arena in Barcelona

Olympic champions in London last year, the French were fourth when Stravius dived into the water but he hauled in American James Feigen, Russia's Danila Izotov and James Roberts of Australia to touch in three minutes 11.18 seconds.

The United States matched their silver from London in a time of 3:11.42 and Russia pipped Australia to the bronze in 3:11.44.

Fabien Gilot's contribution on the third leg was also significant as he was the only man to go under 47 seconds, recording a split time of 46.9 compared to Stravius's 47.59.

(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by John Mehaffey)