'We're in awe': Aussies' beautiful act on podium after Olympic gold

Australia's gold medal winning 4x100m freestyle relay team has shown a subtle but classy touch when being awarded their medals at the Tokyo Olympics.

The quartet of Cate Campbell, Bronte Campbell, Meg Harris and Emma McKeon not only defended Australia's gold in the event from Rio in 2016, but did so in a new world record time.

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Australia became the first team to ever record a time faster than three minutes and 30 seconds when they smashed the rest of the field in a time of 3:29.69.

The comprehensive victory - almost three seconds ahead of silver medallists Canada - delivered Australia a third-consecutive Olympic title in the event.

If the team's efforts in the pool weren't classy enough, the podium ceremony showed a sign of the unity Australia's swimming coaches would have been hoping for heading into the Games.

With athletes being required to receive their medal on a tray handed to them and put around their necks in a bid to reduce the risk of unnecessary coronavirus transmission, each member of the Australian relay team handed a medal to their teammate instead.

The Aussies produced the beautiful act after watching the Canadiens do the same with their silver medals.

The gesture between teammates was well received by fans on social media.

Aussies shatter world record on their way to 4x100m gold medal

The time bettered Australia's previous world benchmark of 3:30.05, set at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

McKeon put the Aussies in the hunt for the world record with an insane third leg, before Cate Campbell brought it home.

For 19-year-old Harris, it was her first medal at her first Olympic Games.

Cate Campbell, who with basketballer Patty Mills carried Australia's flag at Friday night's opening ceremony in Tokyo, has featured in all three relay victories.

At the 2016 Rio Games, she teamed with her sister Bronte, McKeon and Brittany Elmslie to collect gold.

And four years prior in London, Australia's team of Cate Campbell, Elmslie, Alicia Coutts and Mel Schlanger also saluted.

"I could not be prouder of these girls," Cate Campbell said.

"It has been a tough ask for everyone to get here and to come away with the win and a world record. You honestly couldn't have asked for anything better."

In Sunday's final in Tokyo, the Australians were gifted early momentum by Bronte Campbell, who left her team lurking ominously in second spot after her leg.

Harris then took the lead on the second leg and the Australians were never challenged thereafter, with McKeon and finally Campbell increasing their advantage.

"Incredible. There is no feeling like it," Harris said. "Last night swimming with Maddie I walked out and it was insane.

"Then to get the opportunity to do it again in the final is even better."

With AAP

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