Article courtesy your SWIMAUS.
A glittering finale to Day 5 of the World Aquatics Championships saw the women’s 4x200m freestyle team (pictured) set a new world record of 7min:37.50secs – breaking the mark they had set last year.
On a night that saw sprint king Kyle Chalmers savour his sweetest victory of all, the Dolphins continued their Fukuoka feast with Kaylee McKeown joining Chalmers and our relayers on top of the podium.
Australia’s gold medal tally rose to nine – the nation’s most at any world titles since 2007. The Dolphins have also won three silver with three days of competition remaining.
Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Brianna Throssell and Ariarne Titmus simply sizzled to eclipse Australia’s previous world record of 7:39.29 at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Titmus, who teared up when asked about the influence of her coach Dean Boxall, said “pushing each other in training every day” was the key to success.
The entire quartet are coached by Boxall at St Peters Western and Throssell added: “I think winning a relay is always special for Team Australia.”
“The girls this morning did such an incredible job to get it in a good lane tonight. I was just so honoured to be a part of the final team with these girls.”
Madi Wilson, Lani Pallister and Kiah Melverton swam the morning heat.
The achievement came shortly after Chalmers said he was intent on appreciating his 100 freestyle world title more than his shock Olympic gold seven years ago.
The 25-year-old triumphed with a trademark last-lap surge – turning in seventh, he powered to the finish to win in 47.15 from American Jack Alexy (47.31).
“I have had to work so much harder for that moment,” Chalmers said.
“Obviously, 2016 (Olympics) I was an 18-year-old kid and, to be honest, I didn’t really know what I achieved in that moment.
“I have had to work so hard for seven years, sacrifice so much, go through heart surgery, shoulder surgeries, some pretty bad mental health times throughout this last little period.
“So I know how much it means to me, my family, my friends.”
Chalmers was desperate to complete his collection which includes Olympic, Commonwealth Games and world short-course gold in the event.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have doubt in mind at times that I would be able to achieve that,” he said.
McKeown set an Australian record in winning the 50m backstroke, adding to her 100m backstroke title two nights ago.
She clocked 27.08, inside her previous benchmark of 27.16 set in 2021, to pip American rival Regan Smith (27.11).
Lizzie Dekkers kicked off proceedings by winning silver in the 200m butterfly in 2:05.46 with Canadian 16-year-old Summer McIntosh taking the gold medal in 2:04.06.
In the women’s 100m freestyle semi-finals, Australia’s reigning world champion O’Callaghan and Emma McKeon both advanced to Friday night’s final.
O’Callaghan, a night after setting a 200m freestyle record, won her semi in 52.86 and, in the same semi-final, McKeon finished third in 53.00.
In the men’s 200m breaststroke semi-finals, Australia’s world record holder Zac Stubblety-Cook was fastest qualifier for the medal race in a time of 2:07.27.
Abbey Harkin (2:23.65) secured her berth in Friday night’s 200m breaststroke final while Brad Woodward advanced to the men’s 200m backstroke final in a time of 1:56.16.
MEDALS DAY 5
> Gold:
– Kyle Chalmers – 100m freestyle 47.15
– Kaylee McKeown – 50m backstroke 27.08
– Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Brianna Throssell, Ariarne Titmus 4x200m freestyle 7:37.50 **WR**
>Silver :
Lizzy Dekkers – 200m butterfly 2:05.46
