SYDNEY – In the 24 hours between the demoralizing silver medal by the U.S. in the 4×100 relay Saturday and the final two races on the card last night, Americans Brooke Bennett and Diana Munz, and Tom Dolan and Erik Vendt met to reinforce a message to each other:

The pool must be painted red, white and blue.

From their words came deeds. Bennett and Munz went 1-2 in the 400 freestyle and Dolan eclipsed his own world record in the 400 individual medley to win in dominating fashion over silver medalist Vendt.

Thus, for this night, America’s pool strength was reasserted.

On Sunday night, spurred by Ian Thorpe’s dynamic anchor, Australia had won the men’s 4×100 relay, marking the first time in an Olympics that the Americans did not win this race. It was the most significant blow yet in Australia’s feisty attempt to knock the United States from its perch as the elite swim country in the world.

Bennett and Munz, recognizing the momentum generated for the Aussies by that victory and a rousing home crowd, met in the preparation area about an hour before their final. They told each other that no matter who won, the important thing was a 1-2 finish for the U.S.

They did not disappoint. Bennett, the defending 800-meter Olympic champ, conquered her ghosts at the 400 to win in 4:05.80, better than a second ahead of Munz.

On Saturday night, Dolan and Vendt watched the relay in the athlete village while shaving their bodies in preparation for their final. When the race was concluded, they also talked about the importance of finishing 1-2.

That became more difficult as yesterday transpired for Dolan. An asthmatic, Dolan said he was so winded by the morning semifinal that he needed to take oxygen. But the only place he was allowed to do so was in a ventless trailer in the village. He said he heaped ice on himself every five minutes because the trailer was so hot. He lasted an hour taking oxygen, when he felt he needed more.

But the brash Dolan destroyed the field nevertheless, eradicating the world record he set in Rome in September 1994, finishing in 4:11.76 and celebrating with a bunch of screams, finger points and gesticulations.

Through two days, the Americans had nine swim medals, including three gold compared to two overall (both gold) for Australia. The Americans secured six swim medals yesterday compared to none for Australia.

“We needed to change the momentum,” Vendt said. “And I think we did.”