On December 10, 2024, Summer McIntosh and Kate Douglass set world records on the opening day of the World Aquatics Short Course World Championships in Budapest. McIntosh claimed gold in the women’s 400m freestyle with a time of 3:50.25, while Douglass won the 200m IM, finishing in 2:01.63. Both athletes have notable accolades, including wins at the recent Paris 2024 Olympics.

On the inaugural day of the 2024 World Aquatics Short Course Swimming World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, both Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh and American swimmer Kate Douglass etched their names in the annals of swimming history by setting new world records. McIntosh, who had previously triumphed with three gold medals in the 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley (IM), and 400m IM at the recent Olympic Games in Paris, shattered the women’s 400m freestyle record. She achieved a remarkable time of 3:50.25, earning gold ahead of Australia’s Lani Pallister, who completed the race in 3:53.73, and Canada’s Mary-Sophie Harvey, who finished with a time of 3:54.88. The previous short course record for this event was held by China’s Li Bingjie.

Similarly, Douglass, the reigning champion in the 200m breaststroke from Paris, also made waves in Budapest by setting a world record in the women’s 200m IM final. Her outstanding performance resulted in a time of 2:01.63, more than a second faster than her fellow American, Alex Walsh, who clocked in at 2:02.65, followed closely by Great Britain’s Abbie Wood at 2:02.75. Prior to Douglass’s feat, the record was under the stewardship of Hungary’s Katinka Hosszú, who had maintained it at 2:01.86 since 2014. The competition is set to progress on Wednesday, with five finals scheduled, including the women’s 800m freestyle and the men’s 100m backstroke.

The 2024 World Aquatics Short Course Swimming World Championships are being held in Budapest, Hungary, and represent a high point in the competitive swimming calendar. This prestigious event features some of the fastest swimmers from around the globe, showcasing extraordinary athletic prowess and offering opportunities for athletes to break records. The short course format, held in a 25-meter pool, allows for quicker races which often result in faster times compared to long course events. Both Summer McIntosh and Kate Douglass have established themselves as top competitors on the international scene, and their newfound world records signify their exceptional speed and skill, as well as their preparedness for this challenge. The championships also serve as a precursor for upcoming competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympics.

In summary, the opening day of the 2024 World Aquatics Short Course Swimming Championships featured remarkable performances by Summer McIntosh and Kate Douglass, both of whom set new world records. McIntosh’s swift 400m freestyle time eclipsed previous records while Douglass’s achievement in the 200m IM added to her impressive accolades. Their performances not only underline their status as elite swimmers but also set an exhilarating tone for the remainder of the championships. With high stakes and intense competition, the upcoming events promise further excitement and possibly more record-breaking performances.

Original Source: olympics.com

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