Libby Lenton swam a magnificent last leg to win the gold medal for Australia in the women's 200m freestyle relay at the World Shortcourse Swimming Championships.

In a three-way tussle with the United States and China, Lenton's inspired swim enabled Australia to touch first in 7:46:96 to edge out the host nation.

"We're absolutely delighted. I just put my head down and the girls did a great job earlier," she said.

"I just went out and did my best as you can't control what the others do."

Australia's gold medal-winning team comprised Lenton, Jessicah Schipper, Bronte Barratt and Shayne Reese.

Lenton will concentrate on the 100m freestyle on Thursday where she is confident of repeating her success.

"This certainly gives me a lift for tomorrow," said Lenton.

Earlier, Jessicah Schipper won the women's 200m butterfly.

Australia's newly-dubbed 'Madame Butterfly' led the whole race finishing in 2:05.11, with Italy's Francesca Segat coming second and China's world record-holder Yang Yu finishing third.

"I'm ecstatic to win my first individual world short-course championship," said Schipper.

"I came here wanting to back-up from what I did at the Commonwealth Games.

"I'm very happy with that time, especially since it didn't hurt too much."

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