MONTPELLIER, France — Alain Bernard of France broke the world record in the 100-meter freestyle at the French championships Thursday, becoming the first swimmer to go under the 47-second mark.

Bernard won his semifinal race Thursday in 46.94 seconds, beating Australian swimmer Eamon Sullivan's mark of 47.05 set during the Olympic semifinals last year in Beijing.

"To become the first swimmer to go under 47 seconds and in France in front of my fans, that is huge," Bernard said. "It's impossible to program a world record, but I always do everything I can to ensure I am the best, and to get the best times. This morning I felt very good in the heats."

The 25-year-old Bernard won Olympic gold in the 100 freestyle in Beijing. He helped France take silver in the 4x100 relay, which the United States won when Jason Lezak overtook Bernard at the wall.

Bernard also collected a bronze medal in the 50 freestyle.