Tyler-Sharman, 30, a member of the Olympic track squad, recorded 3min 33.46sec during trials at Buttgen, Germany. The time is more than five seconds faster than Kathy Watt's national record of 3:38.24 which she clocked in the qualifying round of the national titles in Perth in March.
Watt, the 3000m silver medallist in Barcelona then asked the Australian Cycling Federation to guarante in writing that she will be nominated for the vent in Atlanta. The ACF gave the assurance after Watt threatened to air her grievances in her testy relationship with national head track coach Charlie Walsh.
The letter said she would b automatically nominated unless she was ill or injured, or another Australian rider clocked a world-class time. Tyler-Sharman is now tipped to take the nomination even though Watt is a proven performer in major competitions.
Tyler-Sharman's time is three seconds faster than the world record, which was broken on April 6 by Italian Autonella Belluti. She set the new mark of 3:31.924 at high altitude during a World Cup meeting at Cali, Colombia.
Tyler-Sharman was timed by four members of the Australian track cycling coaching staff using hand-held watches. "It was exceptional performance by Lucy," Walsh said. "The time was totally correct and above board - there can be no question about the time she rode."
Tyler-Sharman won the silver medal behind Watt at the national titles, but claimed she was suffering severe asthma attacks.