Monday, August 11, 2008 - 1:52 PM

Eamon Sullivan set a new world record with a stunning lead-off leg as Australia took bronze behind America in the 4x100m relay.

Sullivan broke the 100m world record with a time of 47.24 seconds to hand the Australians an early lead, but they could not maintain the pace in the final three legs and finished third in 3:09.91.

Sullivan bested the 47.50 set by France's Alain Bernard in Eindhoven on March 22.

Michael Phelps's bid for eight gold medals is still alive after the United States came from behind to win the event in world record time ahead of France and Australia.

Jason Lezak overhauled Bernard in the final 25 metres of the race to secure gold for America in a time of 3:08.24, with France second in 3:08.32.

The Australian team of Sullivan, Ashley Callus, Andrew Lauterstein and Matt Targett were off the pace in the heats and semi-finals, but stepped up to claim the bronze on the back of Sullivan's stunning opening leg.