The Athens Olympics have become Australia's greatest "away" Games with three gold medals boosting the overall tally to 11.

And with a week to go, the 16-gold all-time record set in Sydney is in grave danger.

Led by the five-Games rowing veteran James Tomkins day nine became one on which Aussies set new standards of Olympic success.

As well as passing the Atlanta record for "away" Games of nine gold medals, Tomkins became the country's most successful rower and the swimming team became the best since the Melbourne Games of 1956.

Tomkins teamed with Drew Ginn to add the coxless pairs title to the two he won in the Oarsome Foursome in 1992 and '96.

He also won bronze in Sydney in 2000.

Sydney gold medallist Grant Hackett repeated his 1500m freestyle victory of four years ago, emulating Kieren Perkins' effort in Atlanta when he defended his Barcelona crown.

The women's 4x100m medley wrapped up the swimming program with another gold and Libby Lenton picked up bronze in the 50m freestyle as did Alicia Molik in tennis.

On the athletics track the best news for Australia came with the trouble-free heat victory of Jana Pittman the 400m hurdles in her first run since having minor knee surgery two weeks ago.

And more Aussie gold is due for delivery come Sunday local time.

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