Chinese medal hopeful Zhao Jing was disqualified from the women's 100-meter backstroke swimming event on Sunday at the Beijing Olympic Games.

The 18-year-old backstroke specialist finished third in her heat in fifth fastest time of seven heats, but failed to qualify for the semifinals due to foul start.

"I passed the 15-meter start line," said the disappointed Olympic debutant, who sensationally set Asian record in the event at the national Olympic trials in April.

According to the rules, after start and each turn, swimmer can submerge for up to 15 meters but must remain on the surface for remainder of the race.

"I have never made such a mistake. Usually, I kicked three times before coming to the surface, but this time I only kicked twice," said Zhao, who wore the Speedo LZR-Racer swimsuit for the first time.

The teenager said that she was in good form and really excited about the competition, but admitted that she was not used to the magical suit.

Zhao had been expected to win a medal at these Games as her personal best in the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke events both rank top 10 this year.

Japanese Reiko Nakamura smashed Zhao's Asian record of 59.81 seconds in the heats, cruising to the semifinals in 59.36 seconds, only behind star swimmer Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)