Day 6 Finals Live Recap
World Championships Conclude with a Splash: Record-Breaking Finals Set to Ignite Budapest
Budapest,Hungary – The 2024 Short Course World Championships are reaching a crescendo,with the final session promising a thrilling finale to a week of electrifying racing. Swim stars like Gretchen Walsh, Summer McIntosh, Kate Douglass, and Jordan crooks are poised to deliver unforgettable performances as they take to the pool one last time.
Day 6 Finals Heat Sheet
The night’s schedule is packed with high-stakes races:
Women’s 50 freestyle — final
Men’s 50 freestyle — final
women’s 50 breaststroke — final
Men’s 50 breaststroke — final
Women’s 200 backstroke — final
Men’s 200 backstroke — final
Women’s 200 freestyle — final
Men’s 200 freestyle — final
Women’s 4×100 medley relay — final
Men’s 4×100 medley relay — final
Record-Breaking Potential
The 50 freestyle semifinals delivered a double dose of world records. Gretchen Walsh continued her dominant performance, shattering Ranomi Kromowidjojo’s mark.Meanwhile, Jordan Crooks etched his name in history, becoming the first man to break the 20-second barrier in the short-course meter pool with a blistering 19.90. All eyes will be on these two as they aim to rewrite the record books once again in the finals.
Backstroke Battle royale
The women’s 200 backstroke final promises a showdown for the ages.World record holder Regan Smith, who set her 1:58.83 mark earlier this fall, will face off against Summer McIntosh, who has been unstoppable this week, setting three world records en route to three gold medals. McIntosh opted for the 200 backstroke over the 200 IM, setting the stage for an epic clash of titans.
Hobson Hunts Gold
After shattering Paul Biedermann’s super-suited mark in the men’s 200 freestyle relay, Luke Hobson is primed for individual glory. The top qualifier heading into the final with a blistering 1:41.55, Hobson is the man to beat in the 200 freestyle.
The final session of the 2024 Short Course World Championships promises to be a night of unforgettable moments, record-breaking swims, and fierce competition. Swimming fans around the world will be glued to their screens as these aquatic athletes push the limits of human performance.
Walsh Shatters World Record Again, Leads US 1-2 in Women’s 50 Freestyle
Budapest, Hungary – Gretchen Walsh continued her dominant performance at the World Aquatics Championships, smashing her own world record in the women’s 50 freestyle final.The American powerhouse clocked an astonishing 22.83, shaving another four-hundredths off the mark she set in the prelims.
Walsh’s blistering speed left the competition in her wake, securing her second gold medal of the meet. Her Virginia training partner, Kate Douglass, followed closely behind, claiming the silver medal with a personal best of 23.05.
“It feels incredible,” Walsh said after the race. “I’ve been working so hard for this, and to see it all come together is just amazing.”
The United States’ dominance in the sprint freestyle events was further highlighted by their 1-2 finish. Poland’s Kasia Wasick rounded out the podium, taking bronze with a time of 23.37.
Adding to the excitement,Great Britain’s Eva okaro set a new world junior record of 23.66, finishing fourth.
Walsh’s record-breaking performance capped off a thrilling night of swimming in Budapest. The American star has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, solidifying her place as one of the world’s fastest women in the water.
Crooks Defends 50 Freestyle Title, American Men Grab bronze
Fukuoka, Japan – Cayman Islands’ Jordan Crooks cemented his status as the world’s fastest man in the 50 freestyle, successfully defending his title from the 2022 World Aquatics Championships. Crooks dominated the final, clocking a blistering 20.19 to secure gold.
The American men put on a strong showing, with Jack Alexy claiming bronze in 20.61.Teammate Chris Guiliano finished just behind in fourth, touching the wall in 20.78.
Crooks’ victory was a testament to his explosive speed. He lead from the start, turning in a blistering 9.64 at the 25-meter mark and powering home in 10.55 to secure the win.
“It feels amazing to defend my title,” Crooks said. “I knew it would be a tough race, but I was confident in my training and my ability to perform under pressure.”
The race for silver was a tight affair, with Brazil’s Gui Santos ultimately edging out Alexy by a mere 0.04 seconds.
Alexy’s bronze medal performance marked a notable achievement for the young American swimmer.
“I’m really happy with my swim,” Alexy said.”It was a tough race, but I gave it everything I had.To come away with a bronze medal is a dream come true.”
The women’s 50 freestyle final saw a thrilling battle for gold. australia’s Mollie O’Callaghan emerged victorious, touching the wall in a championship record time of 23.65.
Poland’s Kasia wasick rounded out the podium, earning bronze in 23.37 as Poland continues its impressive run at the championships.
Great Britain’s Eva okaro swam a world junior record of 23.66 to finish just outside the medals. Her time moves her up to second all-time among British women in the event.
The World Aquatics Championships continue in Fukuoka, with more exciting races to come.
Dressel Dominates, Meilutyte Makes History on Day 3 in Budapest
Budapest, Hungary – Day 3 of the 2023 World Aquatics Short Course Championships saw American superstar Caeleb Dressel return to the top of the podium, while Lithuanian Ruta Meilutyte cemented her legacy as a short course breaststroke queen.
dressel, making his highly anticipated comeback to international competition, stormed to victory in the men’s 50 freestyle, clocking a blistering 20.19. While shy of the incredible 19.90 world record he set yesterday, the time was more than enough to secure gold by a commanding .38 seconds.
“It feels great to be back on top,” Dressel said after the race. “I’m just focusing on swimming my best and enjoying the competition.”
Dressel’s Tennessee training partner, Gui Santos, claimed silver in a lifetime best 20.57, just six-hundredths off the Brazilian record held by Cesar Cielo.
The Americans continued their dominance in the event, with Jack Alexy snatching bronze in 20.61. Alexy’s powerful back-half surge propelled him from fifth at the turn to a medal position. Chris Guiliano also made a late charge, finishing fourth in 20.78.
Meilutyte Makes History
In the women’s 50 breaststroke, Ruta Meilutyte successfully defended her title, adding another gold medal to her impressive collection. Meilutyte,who also holds the world record in the event,led from start to finish,clocking a winning time of 28.54.
“I’m so happy to win again,” Meilutyte said. “It’s always special to compete at the World Championships.”
China’s Tang Qianting, the reigning 100 breaststroke champion, secured silver in 28.86, while American Lilly King took bronze in 28.91.
The 2023 World Aquatics Short Course Championships continue through December 17th,promising more thrilling races and record-breaking performances.
qin Haiyang Claims Gold in Thrilling Men’s 50 Breaststroke Final
Fukuoka, Japan – China’s Qin Haiyang stormed to victory in the men’s 50 breaststroke final at the World Aquatics Championships, edging out a tight field with a blistering finish.
Qin touched the wall in 25.42 seconds, just ahead of Turkey’s Emre Sakci and Kirill Prigoda of the Neutral Athletes, who tied for silver in 25.56.
After a disappointing showing at the Tokyo olympics, Qin has been on a tear, setting Asian records during the World Cup circuit and showcasing remarkable closing speed. He employed a similar strategy in Fukuoka, moving from fourth at the turn to first at the finish with a field-best 13.84 closing 25 meters.
“I’m vrey happy with my performance,” Qin said. “I knew I had to be strong in the last 25 meters, and I was able to execute my race plan.”
Sakci, the world record holder, led the field at the turn, splitting 11.46 to touch eight-hundredths ahead of Prigoda. Prigoda,however,fought back on the second 25 meters,ultimately tying Sakci for silver. This marks Prigoda’s third individual silver medal of the week, solidifying his place as a force to be reckoned with in breaststroke events.
The podium ceremony promises to be a crowded affair, with Sakci, Prigoda, and Tang all vying for their place on the podium.
Simone Cerasuolo of Italy narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in 25.62.
Qin’s victory adds to China’s impressive medal haul at the World Aquatics Championships, further cementing their dominance in the pool.
smith Smashes World Record, Claims backstroke Sweep in Budapest
Budapest, Hungary – regan Smith delivered a dominant performance in the women’s 200-meter backstroke final at the World Aquatics championships, shattering her own world record and securing a stunning sweep of the backstroke events.
Smith, swimming from lane two, took control of the race from the start, clocking a blistering 57.59 at the 100-meter mark,more than a second ahead of Canadian rising star summer McIntosh. She maintained her blistering pace throughout the second 100 meters, ultimately touching the wall in a remarkable 1:58.04. This shaved a staggering .79 seconds off her previous world record set in Singapore, solidifying her place as the undisputed queen of the backstroke.”I’m absolutely thrilled,” Smith said after the race. “To break the world record again and win the world title is a dream come true. I felt really strong throughout the race and knew I had a chance to do something special.”
Smith’s victory earns her not only the world title but also a $10,000 bonus for sweeping the backstroke events at the World Championships after achieving the same feat at the World Cup.
McIntosh, competing in her first international 200 backstroke final, put on an impressive display, securing silver with a time of 1:59.96. This remarkable swim not only earned her a Canadian record but also broke missy Franklin’s 12-year-old world junior record, bringing the mark under two minutes for the first time.
Anastasiya Shkurdai of NAA claimed bronze with a time of 2:00.56, while American Phoebe Bacon finished just behind in fourth place.
Smith’s performance capped off a remarkable World Championships for the American swimmer, who has cemented her status as one of the moast dominant backstrokers in history.
Kos Crushes championship Record, Claims 200 Backstroke Gold in Budapest
BUDAPEST, Hungary – Hungarian star Hubert Kos delivered a stunning performance in the men’s 200-meter backstroke final at the World aquatics Championships, shattering the championship record and narrowly missing the world record. Kos touched the wall in a blistering 1:45.65, becoming the new European record holder and leaving the rest of the field in his wake.
Kos,who had already established himself as the favourite after a dominant 1:48 prelims swim,lived up to the hype.He was neck-and-neck with France’s Mewen Tomac at the first turn, but Kos unleashed a powerful surge on the second 50 meters, pulling away from the competition.
“I knew I had to push hard from the start,” Kos said. “I felt strong throughout the race, and I’m thrilled with the result.”
Kos’s blistering second 100 meters, a near-even split of 52.90, showcased his incredible stamina and speed. while he fell just shy of Mitch Larkin’s 2015 world record of 1:45.63, Kos’s performance was a testament to his dominance in the event.
Italy’s Lorenzo Mora secured the silver medal with a time of 1:48.96, while Tomac claimed bronze in 1:49.93.
Shkurdai Storms to Bronze in Women’s 200 Backstroke
In a thrilling women’s 200-meter backstroke final, Anastasiya Shkurdai of Belarus delivered a remarkable comeback to claim the bronze medal. Shkurdai, who was sixth at the halfway point, surged through the field on the back half of the race.
With a blistering final 25 meters, Shkurdai clocked a 14.73 split to overtake Phoebe Bacon of the United States and touch the wall in 2:00.56, just two-tenths ahead of Bacon.
“I knew I had to give it everything I had in the last 50 meters,” Shkurdai said. “I’m so happy to be on the podium.”
The victory marked Shkurdai’s first individual medal at the World Aquatics Championships.
Haughey Dominates 200 Freestyle, Kos Smashes Backstroke Record at World championships
Budapest, Hungary – The final day of the 2023 World Short Course Swimming Championships saw stunning performances and record-breaking swims. Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey dominated the women’s 200 freestyle, while Hungary’s Hubert Kos shattered the men’s 200 backstroke championship record.
Kos, swimming in front of a roaring home crowd, touched the wall in a blistering 1:45.65, obliterating Ryan Lochte’s 2010 championship record of 1:46.68 by nearly a full second. The swim also set a new European record for Kos, capping off a remarkable championship for the young star.”It’s incredible to win gold at home,” Kos said. “I felt really strong throughout the race and knew I had a chance to break the record. This is a dream come true.”
Kos’s victory marked a sweep of the 200 backstroke for swimmers trained by legendary coach Bob Bowman. American Rhyan Smith, who also trains with Bowman in Texas, took silver in the event earlier in the week.
While Kos was the only swimmer to break 1:50 in the prelims, the entire podium finished under that mark in the final. Italy’s Lorenzo Mora, swimming a strong second half, secured silver with a time of 1:48.96. France’s mewen Tomac claimed bronze, touching in 1:49.93.
Haughey Returns to Form in 200 Freestyle
After a disappointing performance in the 100 freestyle, Haughey bounced back with a vengeance in her signature event, the 200 freestyle. She led from start to finish, clocking a blistering 1:50.62, the third-fastest time in history.
“I’m so happy with that swim,” Haughey said. “The 100 freestyle didn’t go as planned, but I knew I had more in me. The 200 is my favorite event, and I’m thrilled to win gold.”
Haughey’s time was just shy of her own world record of 1:50.31, set in Abu Dhabi in 2021. She now holds four of the five fastest times ever recorded in the event.
Canada’s Mary-Sophie Harvey took silver in a new Americas record time of 1:51.49, while American Claire Weinstein rounded out the podium with a bronze medal-winning time of 1:51.62.
American Teen Shatters world Record in Freestyle Frenzy at World Aquatics Championships
Budapest, Hungary – The roar of the crowd echoed through the Duna Arena as 19-year-old American Luke Hobson etched his name in swimming history. Hobson obliterated the men’s 200-meter freestyle world record, clocking an astonishing 1:38.61 and claiming gold at the World Aquatics Championships.
Hobson’s performance was nothing short of breathtaking. He surged ahead from the start, maintaining a blistering pace throughout the race. His time not only shattered the previous world record of 1:38.91, set by himself just this year, but also secured a new championship record.
“It feels incredible,” a beaming Hobson said after the race. “I knew I had a chance to do something special, and I just went for it. To break the world record again is a dream come true.”
The American teenager’s dominance was evident throughout the competition. He led off the men’s 4×200 freestyle relay earlier in the meet, setting a blistering pace that propelled the U.S. team to gold.
Hobson wasn’t the only American making waves in Budapest. Mary-Sophie Harvey, also 19, delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 200-meter freestyle final. Harvey, who had never won an individual World Championships medal before, stormed from fifth place at the 150-meter mark to claim silver with a remarkable 1:51.49.this time not only earned her a spot on the podium but also set a new Americas record.
“This is astonishing,” Harvey exclaimed. ”I’ve been working so hard for this, and to finally achieve it on this stage is just amazing.”
Claire Weinstein, another rising star in American swimming, secured bronze in the same event with a time of 1:52.62, just shy of her world junior record set in the prelims.
The World Aquatics championships continue to deliver thrilling races and record-breaking performances, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of swimmers from around the globe.
U.S. Swimmers Shatter World Records on Final Night in Budapest
Budapest, Hungary – The U.S. swim team capped off a dominant performance at the 2024 Short Course World Championships with a pair of world record-breaking relays on the final night of competition.
Hobson blasts to 200 Freestyle World Record
In a stunning display of speed and endurance,American swimmer Carson hobson obliterated his own world record in the men’s 200-meter freestyle. Just days after setting the previous mark, Hobson shaved another three-tenths of a second off his time, finishing in a blistering 1:38.61.
Hobson’s strategy was clear: let Rafael Miroslaw lead early before making his move. He trailed Miroslaw at the 50-meter mark (23.18 to 23.01) but surged ahead at the 75-meter mark, building a commanding lead.
“I felt I had a little more to give on the last 50 after my relay lead-off,” Hobson said. “Tonight, I let Rafael lead early, and then I just went for it.”
hobson’s performance was a testament to his incredible talent and dedication. He is now nearly seven-tenths of a second faster than the previous world record holder, Paul Biedermann.
Silver for Giuliani, Henveaux Claims Bronze
Australia’s Max Giuliani claimed the silver medal, breaking Edward Sommerville‘s Oceanian record with a time of 1:40.36. Giuliani had come close to Sommerville’s mark leading off Australia’s 4×200 freestyle relay earlier in the week.
Belgium’s Louis Henveaux secured the bronze medal, setting a new Belgian record for the second time in the day. He clocked a 1:41.13, dropping .45 seconds off his heat time. this is Henveaux’s first medal at the World Championship or Olympic level.
U.S. Women Smash World Record in 4×100 Medley Relay
The American women’s 4×100 medley relay team delivered a breathtaking performance, shattering the world record with a time of 3:40.41.
Regan Smith led off with a blistering 54.02, setting a new world record for the 100-meter backstroke in the process. Lilly King followed with a strong 1:03.02 breaststroke leg, extending the U.S. lead. Gretchen Walsh maintained the momentum with a 54.97 butterfly split, and Kate Douglass anchored the relay with a 51.42 freestyle leg.
“We knew we had something special,” said Smith. “We just went out there and gave it everything we had.”
The U.S. women’s performance capped off a remarkable week in Budapest, solidifying their position as the dominant force in short course swimming.
U.S. Swimmers Fall Short of Gold as World Records Tumble at World Aquatics Championships
Fukuoka, Japan – The U.S. women’s 4×100 freestyle relay team, anchored by the electrifying Katie Ledecky, fell just short of gold at the World Aquatics Championships, settling for silver behind a dominant Australian squad. Meanwhile, the men’s 4×100 medley relay saw a stunning upset as the Neutral Athletes ‘B’ team shattered the world record, leaving the Americans with silver.
The women’s race was a nail-biter, with the Australians setting a blistering pace from the start. Despite a valiant effort from Ledecky, who clocked a blistering 52.04 anchor leg, the U.S. team couldn’t close the gap. The Australians touched the wall first in a championship record time of 3:29.87, while the Americans finished a close second in 3:30.17.
“We gave it everything we had,” said Ledecky after the race.”The Australians were just too strong tonight. We’re proud of our performance and will keep working hard.”
The men’s 4×100 medley relay provided another thrilling finish. The Neutral Athletes ‘B’ team, led by a powerful performance from Miron Lifintsev, stormed to victory in a new world record time of 3:18.68.The U.S. team, anchored by the veteran Ryan Murphy, finished a close second in 3:19.03.
Lifintsev, who earlier in the championships won both the 50 and 100 backstroke in world junior record times, proved unstoppable. His blistering backstroke leg set the stage for his teammates to deliver a historic performance.
“it’s an incredible feeling to break the world record,” said Lifintsev.”We worked so hard for this, and it’s a dream come true.”
The world Aquatics championships have been a showcase of incredible swimming, with multiple world records falling throughout the competition. The U.S. team has had its share of successes, but the Australians and the Neutral Athletes have emerged as formidable challengers.
Neutral Athletes Shatter World Record in Thrilling 4×100 Medley Relay
Budapest, Hungary – in a stunning display of speed and strategy, the Neutral Athletes stormed to victory in the men’s 4×100 medley relay at the World aquatics Championships, setting a new world record in the process.
The quartet of Kliment Kolesnikov, Arseni Chupkov, Andrei Minakov, and Aleksandr Kornev clocked an astonishing 3:18.68, eclipsing the previous world record by a significant margin.
The race was a nail-biter from start to finish.Kolesnikov, the silver medalist in all three backstroke distances, gave the Neutral Athletes an early lead with a blistering 55.15 split. Italy’s Ludovico Viberti (56.15) kept them close, while the U.S. team,anchored by Michael Andrew (57.03), fell to third.
Dare Rose, known for his powerful butterfly, closed the gap for the Americans with a field-best 48.55 split. Despite some awkward turns from Minakov (48.80), the Neutral Athletes maintained their lead heading into the final exchange, holding a cozy advantage over Italy and the united states.
Jack Alexy, the reigning 100 freestyle world champion, dove in for the U.S. and delivered a blistering 44.53 anchor leg, the fastest of the field. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the lead established by the Neutral Athletes. Kornev secured the victory with a solid 45.42 split.
The Neutral athletes’ triumph was a testament to their depth and teamwork. Their victory margin of .35 seconds over the silver medal-winning United States (3:19.03) highlighted their dominance in the event. Italy, with a time of 3:19.91, secured the bronze medal.
this world record performance by the Neutral Athletes adds another chapter to the exciting narrative unfolding at the World Aquatics Championships.