Backstroker Emily Seebohm, breaststroker Leisel Jones, butterflyer Jessicah Schipper and freestyler Libby Trickett teamed up to wipe 3.05 seconds off the previous record Australia set at last year's world championships in Melbourne.

The United States finished second in 3:53.30, also under the old world record, to give Natalie Coughlin her sixth medal of the Games, including one gold, and 41-year-old Dara Torres her third silver of the Games.

China finished third to collect the bronze medal in 3:56.11. -- REUTERS