From Dutee Chand to Caster Semenya: Controversies related to gender identity in sports

In what was a shocking incident, USA swimmer Anita Alvarez was rescued from the bottom of the pool by her coach Andrea Fuentes on Wednesday (June 22). This took place after she was left unconscious&nbsp;during the solo free final at the 2022 FINA World Aquatics Championships, being held in&nbsp;Budapest, Hungary.

Seeing the&nbsp;25-year-old's state, her coach Fuentes, without a moment of hesitation,&nbsp;jumped into the pool. In addition, the coach managed to pull her to the top and brought the swimmer&nbsp;to the edge of the pool before getting some immediate medical attention.

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Rapid rescue.<a href="https://twitter.com/AFP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AFP</a> photographers Oli Scarff and Peter Kohalmi capture the dramatic rescue of USA's Anita Alvarez from the bottom of the pool when she fainted during the women's solo free artistic swimming finals at the Budapest 2022 World Aquatics Championships <a href="https://t.co/8Y0wo6lSUn">pic.twitter.com/8Y0wo6lSUn</a>
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1539782430198222848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-dutee-chand-to-laurel-hubbard-controversies-related-to-gender-identity-in-sports-490669">From Dutee Chand to Laurel Hubbard: Controversies related to gender identity in sports</a>

"It was a big scare. I had to jump in because the lifeguards weren't doing it," Fuentes was reported as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp; "I was scared because I saw she wasn't breathing, but now she is doing very well," Fuentes opined.

Four-time Olympic medalist Fuentes also shed light on the reason behind Anita fainting, while talking to the&nbsp;Spanish radio. She signalled out that this happened due to&nbsp;the effort she exerted while carrying out&nbsp;her routine.

"She only had water in her lungs, once she started breathing again everything was OK," said Fuentes. "It felt like a whole hour. I said things weren't right, I was shouting at the lifeguards to get into the water, but they didn't catch what I said or they didn't understand."

"She wasn't breathing ... I went as quickly as I could as if it were an Olympic final," Fuentes added. "It was very intense," Fuentes told AS newspaper, as quoted by AFP. "I think she was at least two minutes without breathing because her lungs were full of water. But we were able to take her to a good place, she vomited the water, coughed and that was it, but it was a big scare," she further mentioned.

Thus, in what could've been a devastating and disheartening incident, it turned out to be a narrow escape for the US swimmer.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-will-swimmings-new-transgender-rules-work-490136">How will swimming's new transgender rules work?</a>

Following this, the USA artistic team also came up with&nbsp;a statement on social media by dwelling more details on Anita.

"Anita is okay -- the doctors checked all vitals and everything is normal: heart rate, oxygen, sugar levels, blood pressure," Fuentes said in the statement. "We sometimes forget that this happens in other high-endurance sports. Marathon, cycling, cross country ... we all have seen images, where some athletes don't make it to the finish line and others, help them to get there."

"Our sport is no different than others, just in a pool, we push through limits and sometimes we find them. Anita feels good now and the doctors also say she is OK. Tomorrow she will rest all day and will decide with the doctor if she can swim free team finals or not. Thank you for all of your well wishes for Anita," she added.

Talking about the event, Anita -- the&nbsp;USA Artistic Swimming Athlete of 2021 --&nbsp;was in search of a medal in her third world championships. Nonetheless, she met with disappointment as the youngster failed to reach the podium after finishing seventh and the gold medal was secured by Japan's&nbsp;Yukiko Inui.

In what was a shocking incident, USA swimmer Anita Alvarez was rescued from the bottom of the pool by her coach Andrea Fuentes on Wednesday (June 22). This took place after she was left unconscious during the solo free final at the 2022 FINA World Aquatics Championships, being held in Budapest, Hungary.

In what was a shocking incident, USA swimmer Anita Alvarez was rescued from the bottom of the pool by her coach Andrea Fuentes on Wednesday (June 22). This took place after she was left unconscious during the solo free final at the 2022 FINA World Aquatics Championships, being held in Budapest, Hungary. Seeing the 25-year-old's state, her coach Fuentes, without a moment of hesitation, jumped into the pool. In addition, the coach managed to pull her to the top and brought the swimmer to the edge of the pool before getting some immediate medical attention. Rapid rescue.@AFP photographers Oli Scarff and Peter Kohalmi capture the dramatic rescue of USA's Anita Alvarez from the bottom of the pool when she fainted during the women's solo free artistic swimming finals at the Budapest 2022 World Aquatics Championships pic.twitter.com/8Y0wo6lSUn — AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 23, 2022 × ALSO READ | From Dutee Chand to Laurel Hubbard: Controversies related to gender identity in sports "It was a big scare. I had to jump in because the lifeguards weren't doing it," Fuentes was reported as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca, as quoted by AFP. "I was scared because I saw she wasn't breathing, but now she is doing very well," Fuentes opined. Four-time Olympic medalist Fuentes also shed light on the reason behind Anita fainting, while talking to the Spanish radio. She signalled out that this happened due to the effort she exerted while carrying out her routine. "She only had water in her lungs, once she started breathing again everything was OK," said Fuentes. "It felt like a whole hour. I said things weren't right, I was shouting at the lifeguards to get into the water, but they didn't catch what I said or they didn't understand." "She wasn't breathing ... I went as quickly as I could as if it were an Olympic final," Fuentes added. "It was very intense," Fuentes told AS newspaper, as quoted by AFP. "I think she was at least two minutes without breathing because her lungs were full of water. But we were able to take her to a good place, she vomited the water, coughed and that was it, but it was a big scare," she further mentioned. Thus, in what could've been a devastating and disheartening incident, it turned out to be a narrow escape for the US swimmer. ALSO READ | How will swimming's new transgender rules work? Following this, the USA artistic team also came up with a statement on social media by dwelling more details on Anita. "Anita is okay -- the doctors checked all vitals and everything is normal: heart rate, oxygen, sugar levels, blood pressure," Fuentes said in the statement. "We sometimes forget that this happens in other high-endurance sports. Marathon, cycling, cross country ... we all have seen images, where some athletes don't make it to the finish line and others, help them to get there." "Our sport is no different than others, just in a pool, we push through limits and sometimes we find them. Anita feels good now and the doctors also say she is OK. Tomorrow she will rest all day and will decide with the doctor if she can swim free team finals or not. Thank you for all of your well wishes for Anita," she added. Talking about the event, Anita -- the USA Artistic Swimming Athlete of 2021 -- was in search of a medal in her third world championships. Nonetheless, she met with disappointment as the youngster failed to reach the podium after finishing seventh and the gold medal was secured by Japan's Yukiko Inui.

In Pics | Nick of time: Coach saves US swimmer Anita Alvarez who fainted, fell to bottom of pool

How will swimming's new transgender rules work?

American Katie Ledecky dominated the women`s 1,500 metres freestyle event to claim her second gold medal at the swimming world championships in Budapest on Monday, while Italy`s Thomas Ceccon smashed the men`s 100m backstroke world record.

Ledecky, who won the women`s 400 metres freestyle event on the opening day, cruised to the gold medal with a time of 15 minutes and 30.15 seconds. The 25-year-old finished more than 14 seconds ahead of compatriot Katie Grimes who took the silver while Australia`s Lani Pallister took the bronze.

"I love this pool, I knew I put in the work to have a good swim and got into a rhythm," Ledecky said. "I`ve got the relay, that`s next on the agenda and then I will tackle the 800m. We`ll see (if I can get a record)."

Ceccon, 21, finished the 100m backstroke with a phenomenal time of 51.60 seconds -- 0.25 seconds better than American Ryan Murphy`s previous mark. Murphy, a four-times Olympic gold medallist, finished second while fellow American Hunter Armstrong was third.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fina-votes-to-restrict-participation-of-transgender-athletes-in-elite-womens-competition-shares-new-policy-489797">FINA votes to restrict participation of transgender athletes in elite women's competition, shares new policy</a>

"I have no words, there was an Olympic champion in 2016 (Murphy) and other strong people (in the field). I`m pretty happy," said a speechless Ceccon. Earlier, Romanian teenager David Popovici smashed the world junior record as he powered to victory to take gold in the men`s 200 metres freestyle event.

The 17-year-old became the first male Romanian swimmer to win gold at the world championships as he finished with a time of 1:43.21. He finished more than a second ahead of South Korea`s Hwang Sun-woo while Britain`s reigning Olympic champion Tom Dean finished third.

American Katie Ledecky dominated the women`s 1,500 metres freestyle event to claim her second gold medal at the swimming world championships in Budapest on Monday, while Italy`s Thomas Ceccon smashed the men`s 100m backstroke world record.

American Katie Ledecky dominated the women`s 1,500 metres freestyle event to claim her second gold medal at the swimming world championships in Budapest on Monday, while Italy`s Thomas Ceccon smashed the men`s 100m backstroke world record. Ledecky, who won the women`s 400 metres freestyle event on the opening day, cruised to the gold medal with a time of 15 minutes and 30.15 seconds. The 25-year-old finished more than 14 seconds ahead of compatriot Katie Grimes who took the silver while Australia`s Lani Pallister took the bronze. "I love this pool, I knew I put in the work to have a good swim and got into a rhythm," Ledecky said. "I`ve got the relay, that`s next on the agenda and then I will tackle the 800m. We`ll see (if I can get a record)." Ceccon, 21, finished the 100m backstroke with a phenomenal time of 51.60 seconds -- 0.25 seconds better than American Ryan Murphy`s previous mark. Murphy, a four-times Olympic gold medallist, finished second while fellow American Hunter Armstrong was third. ALSO READ | FINA votes to restrict participation of transgender athletes in elite women's competition, shares new policy "I have no words, there was an Olympic champion in 2016 (Murphy) and other strong people (in the field). I`m pretty happy," said a speechless Ceccon. Earlier, Romanian teenager David Popovici smashed the world junior record as he powered to victory to take gold in the men`s 200 metres freestyle event. The 17-year-old became the first male Romanian swimmer to win gold at the world championships as he finished with a time of 1:43.21. He finished more than a second ahead of South Korea`s Hwang Sun-woo while Britain`s reigning Olympic champion Tom Dean finished third.

American Katie Ledecky dominates 1,500m at world c'ships, Italy's Thomas Ceccon breaks backstroke record

American Caeleb Dressel grabbed his 15th world championship gold medal and his second in two days as he won the 50m butterfly final in Budapest on Sunday. The other three winners on Sunday night were all collecting their first major-championship golds. Italian&nbsp;Nicolo&nbsp;Martinenghi&nbsp;won the 100m breaststroke, while American women Alex Walsh, in the 200m medley, and Torri Huske, in the 100m butterfly, took titles.

Dressel took just 18 strokes and 22.57sec for his latest gold. "In this sport nothing is given," said Dressel. "I knew my race plan: 18 strokes was my money number and it was exactly 18 strokes." Dressel, who said he "felt so lost" after winning five in Tokyo, believes the victory "will definitely boost my confidence." "It was good, it wasn't perfect, none of my races are. I'm excited to get that first individual one out of the way, day off tomorrow, then am excited to get 100 free, and then couple of relays." "I never come to these to count medals, it's just about swimming fast, that's all that's on my mind."

At 42, runner-up Nicholas Santos broke his own record as the oldest World Championship medallist.&nbsp; The Brazilian edged Andrew Michael of the United States by one-hundredth of a second to claim silver. "I'm 42 years old, it's not so easy to stay here competing with these guys," Santos said. "It's really painful to stay training hard to get to compete with these guys."

Martinenghi&nbsp;made the most of the absence of Adam Peaty to grab the 100m breaststroke world title. "To win my first medal as a gold medal in my first final is every exciting," he said. Martinenghi, the bronze medallist in last year's Olympics, finished in 58.26sec to edge Dutchman Arno Kamminga, who repeated his Tokyo silver with American Nic Fink third.&nbsp;

Peaty has set the 17 fastest times in the history of the event. He won the last two Olympic and last three world titles. "It's not the same without Adam, I know, but I am happy to sit in the throne that he left, I am happy to be the first guy that used this moment without him," said the 22-year-old Italian. "I am younger than him. I'm hungry but I think that he's hungry too. He wants to win a lot more and me too."&nbsp;

Walsh collected her first gold medal at a major championships in style as she powered away from the field to win the 200 medley.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fina-votes-to-restrict-participation-of-transgender-athletes-in-elite-womens-competition-shares-new-policy-489797">FINA votes to restrict participation of transgender athletes in elite women's competition, shares new policy</a>

<h2>- 'Lot of adrenaline' -</h2>

The American, the silver medallist in the Olympics last year, beat Australian Kaylee McKeown, winner of two backstroke golds in Tokyo, by 1.44sec. Another American, 16-year-old, Leah Hayes set a world junior record in third. Walsh said she was inspired by a full arena.

"I forgot what it is like to have so many people in the crowd, I was shocked, looking up and seeing that the whole stadium was full of people," she said. "But it brought me a lot of adrenalin."

Hungarian 33-year-old Katinka Hosszu, the defending world champion, was seventh, 4.24sec back, despite the support of her home crowd.

In the women's 100m butterfly, Huske continued her blistering form from the heats as she surged to victory. Huske set a personal best 55.64sec to beat French hope Marie Wattel by half a second with Zhang Yufei from China completing the podium.&nbsp;

World record holder Lilly King was only ninth fastest in the women's 100m breaststroke semis but collected one of the eight slots in the final, and the chance to defend her title, after American team-mate Annie Lazor was disqualified.

Apostolos Christou from Greece set a championship record in the semi-finals of the men's 100m backstroke.&nbsp;Italian Thomas Ceccon, who was second just 0.03sec behind, also broke the record set by Xu Jiayu three years ago. Jiayu missed the final.

Romanian 17-year-old David Popovici&nbsp;broke the world junior record with a 1:44.40 in the 200m freestyle semi-final. Austrian Felix Auboeck qualified second 0.77sec behind and the former world junior record holder Hwang Sunwoo of South Korea was third.&nbsp;

American Caeleb Dressel grabbed his 15th world championship gold medal and his second in two days as he won the 50m butterfly final in Budapest on Sunday. The other three winners on Sunday night were all collecting their first major-championship golds.

American Caeleb Dressel grabbed his 15th world championship gold medal and his second in two days as he won the 50m butterfly final in Budapest on Sunday. The other three winners on Sunday night were all collecting their first major-championship golds. Italian Nicolo Martinenghi won the 100m breaststroke, while American women Alex Walsh, in the 200m medley, and Torri Huske, in the 100m butterfly, took titles. Dressel took just 18 strokes and 22.57sec for his latest gold. "In this sport nothing is given," said Dressel. "I knew my race plan: 18 strokes was my money number and it was exactly 18 strokes." Dressel, who said he "felt so lost" after winning five in Tokyo, believes the victory "will definitely boost my confidence." "It was good, it wasn't perfect, none of my races are. I'm excited to get that first individual one out of the way, day off tomorrow, then am excited to get 100 free, and then couple of relays." "I never come to these to count medals, it's just about swimming fast, that's all that's on my mind." At 42, runner-up Nicholas Santos broke his own record as the oldest World Championship medallist. The Brazilian edged Andrew Michael of the United States by one-hundredth of a second to claim silver. "I'm 42 years old, it's not so easy to stay here competing with these guys," Santos said. "It's really painful to stay training hard to get to compete with these guys." Martinenghi made the most of the absence of Adam Peaty to grab the 100m breaststroke world title. "To win my first medal as a gold medal in my first final is every exciting," he said. Martinenghi, the bronze medallist in last year's Olympics, finished in 58.26sec to edge Dutchman Arno Kamminga, who repeated his Tokyo silver with American Nic Fink third. Peaty has set the 17 fastest times in the history of the event. He won the last two Olympic and last three world titles. "It's not the same without Adam, I know, but I am happy to sit in the throne that he left, I am happy to be the first guy that used this moment without him," said the 22-year-old Italian. "I am younger than him. I'm hungry but I think that he's hungry too. He wants to win a lot more and me too." Walsh collected her first gold medal at a major championships in style as she powered away from the field to win the 200 medley. ALSO READ | FINA votes to restrict participation of transgender athletes in elite women's competition, shares new policy - 'Lot of adrenaline' - The American, the silver medallist in the Olympics last year, beat Australian Kaylee McKeown, winner of two backstroke golds in Tokyo, by 1.44sec. Another American, 16-year-old, Leah Hayes set a world junior record in third. Walsh said she was inspired by a full arena. "I forgot what it is like to have so many people in the crowd, I was shocked, looking up and seeing that the whole stadium was full of people," she said. "But it brought me a lot of adrenalin." Hungarian 33-year-old Katinka Hosszu, the defending world champion, was seventh, 4.24sec back, despite the support of her home crowd. In the women's 100m butterfly, Huske continued her blistering form from the heats as she surged to victory. Huske set a personal best 55.64sec to beat French hope Marie Wattel by half a second with Zhang Yufei from China completing the podium. World record holder Lilly King was only ninth fastest in the women's 100m breaststroke semis but collected one of the eight slots in the final, and the chance to defend her title, after American team-mate Annie Lazor was disqualified. Apostolos Christou from Greece set a championship record in the semi-finals of the men's 100m backstroke. Italian Thomas Ceccon, who was second just 0.03sec behind, also broke the record set by Xu Jiayu three years ago. Jiayu missed the final. Romanian 17-year-old David Popovici broke the world junior record with a 1:44.40 in the 200m freestyle semi-final. Austrian Felix Auboeck qualified second 0.77sec behind and the former world junior record holder Hwang Sunwoo of South Korea was third.

Nicolo Martinenghi wins 100m breaststroke, Caeleb Dressel and Nicholas Santos win big

Swimming`s world governing body FINA on Sunday voted to restrict the participation of transgender athletes in elite women`s competitions and create a working group to establish an "open" category for them in some events as part of its new policy. The decision was made during FINA`s extraordinary general congress on the sidelines of the world championships in Budapest after members heard a report from a transgender task force comprising leading medical, legal and sports figures.

The new policy will require transgender competitors to have completed their transition by the age of 12 in order to be able to compete in women`s competitions. The policy was passed with a roughly 71% majority after it was put to the members of 152 national federations with voting rights who had gathered for the congress at the Puskas Arena.

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Transgender rights has become a major talking point as sports seek to balance inclusivity while ensuring there is no unfair advantage. The debate intensified after University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender NCAA champion in Division I history after winning the women`s 500-yard freestyle earlier this year.

It followed New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard becoming the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo last year.

Swimming`s world governing body FINA on Sunday voted to restrict the participation of transgender athletes in elite women`s competitions and create a working group to establish an "open" category for them in some events as part of its new policy.

Swimming`s world governing body FINA on Sunday voted to restrict the participation of transgender athletes in elite women`s competitions and create a working group to establish an "open" category for them in some events as part of its new policy. The decision was made during FINA`s extraordinary general congress on the sidelines of the world championships in Budapest after members heard a report from a transgender task force comprising leading medical, legal and sports figures. The new policy will require transgender competitors to have completed their transition by the age of 12 in order to be able to compete in women`s competitions. The policy was passed with a roughly 71% majority after it was put to the members of 152 national federations with voting rights who had gathered for the congress at the Puskas Arena. ALSO READ | Pride Month: LGBTQ couples in sports who inspire us to come out of the closet Transgender rights has become a major talking point as sports seek to balance inclusivity while ensuring there is no unfair advantage. The debate intensified after University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender NCAA champion in Division I history after winning the women`s 500-yard freestyle earlier this year. It followed New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard becoming the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo last year.

FINA votes to restrict participation of transgender athletes in elite women's competition, shares new policy

Shanghai University became the butt of jokes after asking its students to take the mandatory swimming test online before graduating. On May 15, the dean’s office at Shanghai University announced that undergraduates finishing their bachelor’s degrees who are due to participate in a 50-metre (164 feet) swimming test can be allowed to take it online from home in the wake of the city’s Covid outbreaks, reports South China Morning Post.

In China, students at some of the most prestigious universities are required to learn swimming before they graduate as it is considered a survival skill and improves physical fitness.

The move was made to "ensure that the graduation process proceeds smoothly", the now-deleted read that was screen-grabbed and widely circulated over social media.

To pass the swimming requirement this year, students must fill out an online "Basic Theory of Swimming" test by May 29, the notice said.&nbsp;

“The classes and facilities including the swimming pool at the university are suspended under the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown. To ensure the students can graduate, we decided to conduct the swimming test online,” an unnamed staff member from the dean’s office told the Chinese news outlet Jimu.

However, the announcement was met with ridicule and laughter after the notice was shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.

"This is just embarrassing, coming from a reputable university. How can a theory test be the same as an actual lap in the pool?" one Weibo user commented.&nbsp;

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"Are the students supposed to swim in their bathtubs?" another person said, while another user asked, “Is it a reality version of surfing the internet?”

After witnessing one of the worst outbreaks that began on April 22, Shanghai city is witnessing a gradual decline in Covid cases.

Starting on Sunday, shopping malls, libraries, museums, theatres and gyms will be allowed to reopen, with limits on the numbers of people, in the eight of Beijing’s 16 districts that have seen no community cases for seven consecutive days.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Shanghai University became the butt of jokes after asking its students to take the mandatory swimming test online before graduating. On May 15, the dean’s office at Shanghai University announced that undergraduates finishing their bachelor’s degrees who are due to participate in a 50-metre (164 feet) swimming test can be allowed to take it online from home in the wake of the city’s Covid outbreaks, reports South China Morning Post.

Shanghai University became the butt of jokes after asking its students to take the mandatory swimming test online before graduating. On May 15, the dean’s office at Shanghai University announced that undergraduates finishing their bachelor’s degrees who are due to participate in a 50-metre (164 feet) swimming test can be allowed to take it online from home in the wake of the city’s Covid outbreaks, reports South China Morning Post. In China, students at some of the most prestigious universities are required to learn swimming before they graduate as it is considered a survival skill and improves physical fitness. The move was made to "ensure that the graduation process proceeds smoothly", the now-deleted read that was screen-grabbed and widely circulated over social media. To pass the swimming requirement this year, students must fill out an online "Basic Theory of Swimming" test by May 29, the notice said. “The classes and facilities including the swimming pool at the university are suspended under the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown. To ensure the students can graduate, we decided to conduct the swimming test online,” an unnamed staff member from the dean’s office told the Chinese news outlet Jimu. However, the announcement was met with ridicule and laughter after the notice was shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. "This is just embarrassing, coming from a reputable university. How can a theory test be the same as an actual lap in the pool?" one Weibo user commented. Also read | Bermuda Triangle cruise tour agency offers full refund to passengers if ship vanishes "Are the students supposed to swim in their bathtubs?" another person said, while another user asked, “Is it a reality version of surfing the internet?” After witnessing one of the worst outbreaks that began on April 22, Shanghai city is witnessing a gradual decline in Covid cases. Starting on Sunday, shopping malls, libraries, museums, theatres and gyms will be allowed to reopen, with limits on the numbers of people, in the eight of Beijing’s 16 districts that have seen no community cases for seven consecutive days. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Should we surf the internet?’: Chinese university mocked for telling students to take swimming test online

Olympic champion Zac Stubblety-Cook set a world record in the men's 200-meter breaststroke at the Australian swimming championships on Thursday. Stubblety-Cook finished in 2 minutes, 05.95 seconds in the final to improve on the previous mark of 2:06.12 set by Russian swimmer Anton Chupkov at the 2019 world championships in Gwangju, South Korea.

"It's a bit surreal, to be perfectly honest. It doesn't feel real," Stubblety-Cook said. "It will probably sink in over the next few days. I was obviously hoping to swim fast and hoping to swim close to my best but that is just something else," he added. The 23-year-old Stubblety-Cook set an Olympic record in winning gold at last year's Tokyo Games.

Olympic champion Zac Stubblety-Cook set a world record in the men's 200-meter breaststroke at the Australian swimming championships on Thursday. Stubblety-Cook finished in 2 minutes, 05.

Olympic champion Zac Stubblety-Cook set a world record in the men's 200-meter breaststroke at the Australian swimming championships on Thursday. Stubblety-Cook finished in 2 minutes, 05.95 seconds in the final to improve on the previous mark of 2:06.12 set by Russian swimmer Anton Chupkov at the 2019 world championships in Gwangju, South Korea. "It's a bit surreal, to be perfectly honest. It doesn't feel real," Stubblety-Cook said. "It will probably sink in over the next few days. I was obviously hoping to swim fast and hoping to swim close to my best but that is just something else," he added. The 23-year-old Stubblety-Cook set an Olympic record in winning gold at last year's Tokyo Games.

Izaac Stubblety-Cook sets world record in men's 200-meter breast stroke at Australian swimming championships

Dozens of Nicaraguans are planning to migrate to the United States in anticipation of the dangerous crossing of the Rio Grande at the US border. Soon-to-be migrants are taking swimming lessons in the country.

Nicaraguans learn to swim to cross deadly Rio Grande at US border

Indian swimmers Sajan Prakash and Vedaant Madhavan bagged gold and silver medals respectively at the Danish Open, held in Copenhagen. While two-time Olympian Sajan stood atop the podium by clocking 1:59:27 for the 200m butterfly, 16-year-old Vedaant Madhavan won the silver medal by clocking 15:57:86 in the 1500m freestyle event.

Vedaant's father, Indian actor R. Madhavan had tweeted about the achievement of the duo and wishes have been pouring in since then. Madhavan had thanked the Swimming Federation of India and also the Aqua Nation Sports Academy in Dubai and their swimming coach Pradeep.

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With all your blessings &amp; Gods grace🙏🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/swim_sajan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@swim_sajan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/VedaantMadhavan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VedaantMadhavan</a> won gold and silver respectively for India, at The Danish open in Copenhagen. Thank you sooo much Coach Pradeep sir, SFI and ANSA.We are so Proud 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🙏🙏 <a href="https://t.co/MXGyrmUFsW">pic.twitter.com/MXGyrmUFsW</a>
— Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ActorMadhavan/status/1515201014718160896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Actor Abhishek Bacchan were among those who shared their wishes and compliments for the 16-year-olf swimmer, who has done the nation proud.

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Congratulations. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
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After a bronze medal at the Latvia Open in March 2021, Vedaant had bagged seven medals (four silver and three bronze) at the Junior National Aquatic Championships last year. For 28-year-old Sajan, his gold-winning performance at the Danish Open was behind his own best of 1:56:38 that he performed last year in Rome.

Danish Open is a competition that is open to all swimmers. Danish Open is a long course championship, where non-Danish swimmers participate on equal terms with Danish swimmers. The Competition is conducted under FINA rules and is approved as a qualifying event for the European Championships and the 2022 World Championships.

Indian swimmers Sajan Prakash and Vedaant Madhavan bagged gold and silver medals respectively at the Danish Open, held in Copenhagen. While two-time Olympian Sajan stood atop the podium by clocking 1:59:27 for the 200m butterfly, 16-year-old Vedaant Madhavan won the silver medal by clocking 15:57:86 in the 1500m freestyle event.

Indian swimmers Sajan Prakash and Vedaant Madhavan bagged gold and silver medals respectively at the Danish Open, held in Copenhagen. While two-time Olympian Sajan stood atop the podium by clocking 1:59:27 for the 200m butterfly, 16-year-old Vedaant Madhavan won the silver medal by clocking 15:57:86 in the 1500m freestyle event. Vedaant's father, Indian actor R. Madhavan had tweeted about the achievement of the duo and wishes have been pouring in since then. Madhavan had thanked the Swimming Federation of India and also the Aqua Nation Sports Academy in Dubai and their swimming coach Pradeep. With all your blessings & Gods grace🙏🙏 @swim_sajan and @VedaantMadhavan won gold and silver respectively for India, at The Danish open in Copenhagen. Thank you sooo much Coach Pradeep sir, SFI and ANSA.We are so Proud 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/MXGyrmUFsW — Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) April 16, 2022 × pic.twitter.com/D2eMKRcJZt — Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) April 16, 2022 × Actor Abhishek Bacchan were among those who shared their wishes and compliments for the 16-year-olf swimmer, who has done the nation proud. Congratulations. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 — Abhishek 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@juniorbachchan) April 16, 2022 × After a bronze medal at the Latvia Open in March 2021, Vedaant had bagged seven medals (four silver and three bronze) at the Junior National Aquatic Championships last year. For 28-year-old Sajan, his gold-winning performance at the Danish Open was behind his own best of 1:56:38 that he performed last year in Rome. Danish Open is a competition that is open to all swimmers. Danish Open is a long course championship, where non-Danish swimmers participate on equal terms with Danish swimmers. The Competition is conducted under FINA rules and is approved as a qualifying event for the European Championships and the 2022 World Championships.

Wishes pour in as Indian actor R Madhavan's son wins gold at Danish Open Swimming

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the state of women`s sports is "very fragile" and sports federations need to get it right when writing rules for transgender female athletes. Coe`s comments come after University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender NCAA champion in Division I history by winning the women`s 500-yard freestyle in Atlanta last week.

"The integrity of women`s sport — if we don`t get this right — and, actually, the future of women`s sport, is very fragile," Coe was quoted as saying in a British paper The Times on Monday. "These are sensitive issues, they are societal issues — they go way, way beyond sport. I don`t have the luxury to get into endless discussions or the school of moral philosophy."

Thomas competed on the men`s team for three years before transitioning and moving to the women`s team and setting multiple program records. Last month, USA Swimming unveiled a new policy to allow transgender athletes to swim in elite events by setting out criteria that aim to mitigate any unfair advantages. 
The rules include testing to ensure testosterone is below a certain level - five nanomoles per liter continuously for at least 36 months - in transgender athletes who wish to compete against cisgender female swimmers.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-sports-in-india-huge-number-of-female-participants-from-across-country-464286">Winter sports in India: Huge number of female participants from across country</a>

World Athletics requires transgender athletes to have low testosterone levels for at least 12 months before competition, a time period Coe thinks is too short. "We are asking for a greater length of (time) before competition because the residual impact of transitioning like that is more profound," Coe said. "There is no question that testosterone is the key determinant in performance."

Transgender rights have long been a controversial and politically divisive issue in the United States from sports to serving in the military, and even what bathrooms people are allowed to use. Coe said he understands the sensitive nature of the issue and said he wants to focus on&nbsp;science.

"It`s really difficult to keep the emotion out of this and subjectivity, so we do have to really stick as closely as we can to the science — and that`s what we've always tried to do when it`s been uncomfortable," he said. 
"You can't be oblivious to public sentiment ... but science is important. If I wasn't satisfied with the science that we have and the experts that we have used and the in-house teams that have been working on this for a long time ... if I wasn't comfortable about that, this would be a very different landscape.&nbsp;

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the state of women`s sports is "very fragile" and sports federations need to get it right when writing rules for transgender female athletes.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the state of women`s sports is "very fragile" and sports federations need to get it right when writing rules for transgender female athletes. Coe`s comments come after University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender NCAA champion in Division I history by winning the women`s 500-yard freestyle in Atlanta last week. "The integrity of women`s sport — if we don`t get this right — and, actually, the future of women`s sport, is very fragile," Coe was quoted as saying in a British paper The Times on Monday. "These are sensitive issues, they are societal issues — they go way, way beyond sport. I don`t have the luxury to get into endless discussions or the school of moral philosophy." Thomas competed on the men`s team for three years before transitioning and moving to the women`s team and setting multiple program records. Last month, USA Swimming unveiled a new policy to allow transgender athletes to swim in elite events by setting out criteria that aim to mitigate any unfair advantages. The rules include testing to ensure testosterone is below a certain level - five nanomoles per liter continuously for at least 36 months - in transgender athletes who wish to compete against cisgender female swimmers. ALSO READ | Winter sports in India: Huge number of female participants from across country World Athletics requires transgender athletes to have low testosterone levels for at least 12 months before competition, a time period Coe thinks is too short. "We are asking for a greater length of (time) before competition because the residual impact of transitioning like that is more profound," Coe said. "There is no question that testosterone is the key determinant in performance." Transgender rights have long been a controversial and politically divisive issue in the United States from sports to serving in the military, and even what bathrooms people are allowed to use. Coe said he understands the sensitive nature of the issue and said he wants to focus on science. "It`s really difficult to keep the emotion out of this and subjectivity, so we do have to really stick as closely as we can to the science — and that`s what we've always tried to do when it`s been uncomfortable," he said. "You can't be oblivious to public sentiment ... but science is important. If I wasn't satisfied with the science that we have and the experts that we have used and the in-house teams that have been working on this for a long time ... if I wasn't comfortable about that, this would be a very different landscape.

State of women's sports is 'fragile': World Athletics president after Lia Thomas’ win at NCAA swimming finals

Over 460 national and international participants competed off the Florida Keys on Saturday (September 11) during Swim for Alligator Lighthouse Race, an 8-mile open-water challenge.

Over 460 swimmers compete in open-water Florida Keys race | Edge | WION Latest News

Australia's Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman hailed his team's record-equalling performance at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;on Sunday, wiping tears from his eyes as he spoke of its impact on people back home - a nation largely in COVID-19 lockdown.

The Australian team had won 17 gold medals heading into the final day of action in Tokyo, matching their previous best haul from the 2004 Athens&nbsp;Olympics.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-climate-change-played-spoilsport-at-tokyo-literally-will-paris-be-worse-403847" hreflang="en">Olympics: Climate change played spoilsport at Tokyo, literally. Will Paris be worse?</a>

Chesterman said the unique circumstances of the first&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;held during a global pandemic would make their achievements even more memorable.

"I believe Australia will remember this team for decades to come," he told a news conference.

"They've made a real connection with people back home. It's been such a tough time in so many communities and the athletes have been so conscious of that over here.

"Their performances and the way they've conducted themselves on and off the field has been superb. The Australians have taken these athletes to their hearts."

After disappointing medal hauls at London 2012 and Rio 2016, Australia kick-started their Tokyo campaign in swimming.

They won a record nine golds and 20 medals overall in the pool with Emma McKeon becoming the first woman swimmer to win seven medals in a single Games.

More gold medals followed in canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and rowing, while Keegan Palmer won&nbsp;the nation's first Olympic title in skateboarding.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-athletics-kenyas-eliud-kipchoge-cements-legacy-with-back-to-back-marathon-golds-403823" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics athletics: Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge cements legacy with back-to-back marathon golds</a>

After thanking host nation Japan for pulling off the "impossible", Chesterman spoke movingly of what the 486 athletes had endured with the strict health protocols in force in Tokyo.

"It's been a pretty tough Games, I've got to say," he said when asked to explain his emotional state. "And everything we set out to achieve, we did.

He said the team was "very aware" of how the Games had cheered up people in lockdown in Australia.

"We've all got our own families at home, and we've seen the impact this has had on them," Chesterman added.

Brushing aside a question about the misbehavior of some Australian athletes, Chesterman said his priority had been to allow the athletes to fulfill their dreams and then to get them safely back to their families.

"It's a huge relief," he said. "It's a big campaign, it's just important that we get them home, and we will."

Australia's Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman hailed his team's record-equalling performance at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, wiping tears from his eyes as he spoke of its impact on people back home - a nation largely in COVID-19 lockdown.

Australia's Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman hailed his team's record-equalling performance at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, wiping tears from his eyes as he spoke of its impact on people back home - a nation largely in COVID-19 lockdown. The Australian team had won 17 gold medals heading into the final day of action in Tokyo, matching their previous best haul from the 2004 Athens Olympics. ALSO READ: Olympics: Climate change played spoilsport at Tokyo, literally. Will Paris be worse? Chesterman said the unique circumstances of the first Olympics held during a global pandemic would make their achievements even more memorable. "I believe Australia will remember this team for decades to come," he told a news conference. "They've made a real connection with people back home. It's been such a tough time in so many communities and the athletes have been so conscious of that over here. "Their performances and the way they've conducted themselves on and off the field has been superb. The Australians have taken these athletes to their hearts." After disappointing medal hauls at London 2012 and Rio 2016, Australia kick-started their Tokyo campaign in swimming. They won a record nine golds and 20 medals overall in the pool with Emma McKeon becoming the first woman swimmer to win seven medals in a single Games. More gold medals followed in canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and rowing, while Keegan Palmer won the nation's first Olympic title in skateboarding. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics athletics: Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge cements legacy with back-to-back marathon golds After thanking host nation Japan for pulling off the "impossible", Chesterman spoke movingly of what the 486 athletes had endured with the strict health protocols in force in Tokyo. "It's been a pretty tough Games, I've got to say," he said when asked to explain his emotional state. "And everything we set out to achieve, we did. He said the team was "very aware" of how the Games had cheered up people in lockdown in Australia. "We've all got our own families at home, and we've seen the impact this has had on them," Chesterman added. Brushing aside a question about the misbehavior of some Australian athletes, Chesterman said his priority had been to allow the athletes to fulfill their dreams and then to get them safely back to their families. "It's a huge relief," he said. "It's a big campaign, it's just important that we get them home, and we will."

Olympics 2020: Australia hail Tokyo campaign as balm for pandemic struggles back home

The American star won his fifth gold medal of the Tokyo Games, finishing off one of the great performances in Olympic history. He joins an elite club of just four other swimmers ever with at least five gold medals at one games.

Caeleb&nbsp;Dressel swam the butterfly leg as the Americans set a world record in the 4x100-meter medley relay with a time of 3 minutes, 26.78 seconds—eclipsing the mark of 3:27.28 they set at the 2009 Rome world championships in rubberized suits.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-india-to-face-australia-in-the-womens-hockey-quarter-finals-402113" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: India to face Australia in the women's hockey quarter-finals</a>

Ryan Murphy, Michael Andrew, and Zach Apple joined Dressel on the winning team, ensuring the Americans closed out the swimming competition with another gold in a race they’ve never lost at the Olympics.

Earlier in the session, Dressel won the 50 freestyle for his third individual title of the games. He also won two golds on the relays.

Dressel starred at the pool with Australia’s Emma McKeon, who won two more golds Sunday to push her overall total to seven — four gold and three bronze.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-australia-deserved-mixed-doubles-bronze-says-ashleigh-barty-402106" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Australia deserved mixed doubles bronze, says Ashleigh Barty</a>

Mirroring Dressel’s final day, McKeon won the 50 free and took the butterfly leg on the Aussies’ winning 4x100 medley relay team on the women’s side.

McKeon became the first female swimmer to win seven medals at a single games. The only men to do it are Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi.

The American star won his fifth gold medal of the Tokyo Games, finishing off one of the great performances in Olympic history. He joins an elite club of just four other swimmers ever with at least five gold medals at one games.

The American star won his fifth gold medal of the Tokyo Games, finishing off one of the great performances in Olympic history. He joins an elite club of just four other swimmers ever with at least five gold medals at one games. Caeleb Dressel swam the butterfly leg as the Americans set a world record in the 4x100-meter medley relay with a time of 3 minutes, 26.78 seconds—eclipsing the mark of 3:27.28 they set at the 2009 Rome world championships in rubberized suits. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: India to face Australia in the women's hockey quarter-finals Ryan Murphy, Michael Andrew, and Zach Apple joined Dressel on the winning team, ensuring the Americans closed out the swimming competition with another gold in a race they’ve never lost at the Olympics. Earlier in the session, Dressel won the 50 freestyle for his third individual title of the games. He also won two golds on the relays. Dressel starred at the pool with Australia’s Emma McKeon, who won two more golds Sunday to push her overall total to seven — four gold and three bronze. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Australia deserved mixed doubles bronze, says Ashleigh Barty Mirroring Dressel’s final day, McKeon won the 50 free and took the butterfly leg on the Aussies’ winning 4x100 medley relay team on the women’s side. McKeon became the first female swimmer to win seven medals at a single games. The only men to do it are Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi.

Olympics 2020: US swimmer Caeleb Dressel joins Olympic pantheon with five golds in Tokyo

American Caeleb Dressel stormed to the men`s 100m butterfly gold medal on Saturday with a world record time of 49.45 to pick up his second individual gold of the Tokyo Games and Australia`s Kaylee McKeown timed her swim perfectly to win the 200m backstroke.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-triathlon-britain-win-first-ever-mixed-relay-gold-401883" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics, Triathlon: Britain win first-ever mixed-relay gold</a> 
 
Dressel, the world champion in the event, beat Hungary`s Kristof Milak, the gold medallist in the 200m fly, by 0.23 seconds. 
 
The powerful American, who also won gold in the 100m freestyle, was the fastest out of the blocks and never looked in danger, though Milak came back hard, closing the gap down the straight. 
 
Dressel has a busy morning -- he has the 50m freestyle semi-finals coming up and is likely to swim in the final of the mixed medley relay about 30 minutes after that. 
 
McKeown, who had already won the 100m backstroke gold, turned up the pace on the final lap to power past Kylie Masse after the Canadian held the lead for the first 150. 
 
The Australian won in a time of 2:04.68 with Masse 0.74 behind and McKeown`s teammate Emily Seebohm taking the bronze medal. 
 
Australia`s women have now picked up six of the country`s seven gold medals in the pool.

American Caeleb Dressel stormed to the men`s 100m butterfly gold medal on Saturday with a world record time of 49.45 to pick up his second individual gold of the Tokyo Games and Australia`s Kaylee McKeown timed her swim perfectly to win the 200m backstroke.

American Caeleb Dressel stormed to the men`s 100m butterfly gold medal on Saturday with a world record time of 49.45 to pick up his second individual gold of the Tokyo Games and Australia`s Kaylee McKeown timed her swim perfectly to win the 200m backstroke. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics, Triathlon: Britain win first-ever mixed-relay gold Dressel, the world champion in the event, beat Hungary`s Kristof Milak, the gold medallist in the 200m fly, by 0.23 seconds. The powerful American, who also won gold in the 100m freestyle, was the fastest out of the blocks and never looked in danger, though Milak came back hard, closing the gap down the straight. Dressel has a busy morning -- he has the 50m freestyle semi-finals coming up and is likely to swim in the final of the mixed medley relay about 30 minutes after that. McKeown, who had already won the 100m backstroke gold, turned up the pace on the final lap to power past Kylie Masse after the Canadian held the lead for the first 150. The Australian won in a time of 2:04.68 with Masse 0.74 behind and McKeown`s teammate Emily Seebohm taking the bronze medal. Australia`s women have now picked up six of the country`s seven gold medals in the pool.

Tokyo Olympics, Swimming: More gold for Dressel, McKeown does backstroke double

Australia's Ariarne Titmus and Japan's Yui Ohashi won their second gold medals in Tokyo while Britain picked up their third swimming gold with an impressive victory in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay on a thrilling day of action in the pool on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-simone-biles-withdraws-from-womens-gymnastics-team-all-around-final-400973" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles withdraws from women's gymnastics team all-around final</a>

After losing to Titmus for a second time in Tokyo with a disappointing fifth-place finish in the 200 freestyle, there was some consolation for Katie Ledecky with the American winning the inaugural 1,500 freestyle gold to capture her sixth Olympic title.

World record holder Kristof Milak of Hungary powered to the men's butterfly 200m gold, despite being forced into a last-minute change of swimming trunks.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/condoms-and-sex-at-tokyo-olympics-awareness-creation-restrictions-and-pushback-400698" hreflang="en">Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback</a>

The women's 200 freestyle, part two of Titmus's 'duel in the pool' with Ledecky, turned instead into a battle with Hong Kong's Siobhan Haughey with Canada's Penny Oleksiak third.

Titmus won in a time of 1:53.50 while Ledecky, the defending gold medallist, finished a distant 1.71 behind the Australian.

"I’m bloody exhausted," said Titmus. "That was a tough race. I knew Siobhan would be hard to beat. I could tell from the way she swam (in her heat) yesterday it would be tough to beat her,"

Once again the 20-year-old Titmus, dubbed 'The Terminator', delivered a blistering final lap -- she had been in third place at the 150m turn with Haughey in the lead.

Titmus had beaten Ledecky to gold in the 400m freestyle on Monday and she becomes the first Australian woman to complete the 200-400 Olympic double since Shane Gould at the 1972 Munich Games.

Ledecky made sure she will not leave Japan empty-handed however with her comfortable victory in the 1,500 freestyle, with teammate Erica Sullivan picking up silver and German Sarah Kohler bronze.

"I’m so happy. It was a little one-two, which is very cool," she said. "You couldn’t have a better outcome than that ... after the 200 I knew I had to turn the page pretty quick."

As for her disappointment in the showdown with Titmus, Ledecky was philosophical.

"Maybe people feel bad for me not winning everything. But I want people to be more concerned about other things going on in the world," she said.

Titmus and Ledecky are expected to face each other in the 800m freestyle on Saturday in which the American is heavily favoured, and they will also be on opposite sides in the 4x200m relay.

'A BIT GUTTED'

Ohashi, who won the women's 400m medley on Sunday, produced her own double with victory in the 200m medley ahead of Americans Alex Walsh and Kate Douglass.

Walsh lead at the 150m mark but Ohashi pipped her over the final, freestyle leg, of the race to delight her Japanese teammates in the spectator-free arena.

"Seems like a dream," said Ohashi. "It doesn’t feel real. In the last 15 it was really hard, my legs were really hurting but I just kept kicking."

After individual golds for Adam Peaty and Tom Dean, Britain's success in the pool continued with the quartet of Dean, Duncan Scott, James Guy and Matthew Richards coming within touching distance of a world record in the relay.

It is the first time since 1908 that Britain have won three swimming golds at one Games.

The British team won in six minutes, 58.58 -- just three hundredths shy of the world record set by the United States in 2009.

"It was so close to the world record in the end, if anything, I'm a bit gutted," said Scott.

They finished 3.23 seconds clear of the Russian team while Australia claimed the bronze.

The United States finished fourth, the first time they have not medalled in this event, aside from the boycotted Moscow Olympics.

Hungarian Milak lived up to his billing as the heavy favourite in the butterfly ahead of Japan's Tomoru Honda with Italy's Federico Burdisso taking bronze.

His time of 1:51.25 was an Olympic record, surpassing Michael Phelps' mark from an event he once dominated.

Phelps had set the previous Olympic record of 1:52.03 in Beijing. Milak's world record of 1:50.73 came at the world championships in Gwangju in 2019.

His time might have been even faster if not for a mishap with his swimming trunks which forced a quick change.

Showing reporters a ripped pair of trunks, he said: “They split 10 minutes before I entered the pool and in that moment I knew the world record was gone.

"I lost my focus and knew I couldn’t do it ... but I am happy with the gold medal."

Australia's Ariarne Titmus and Japan's Yui Ohashi won their second gold medals in Tokyo while Britain picked up their third swimming gold with an impressive victory in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay on a thrilling day of action in the pool on Wednesday.

Australia's Ariarne Titmus and Japan's Yui Ohashi won their second gold medals in Tokyo while Britain picked up their third swimming gold with an impressive victory in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay on a thrilling day of action in the pool on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles withdraws from women's gymnastics team all-around final After losing to Titmus for a second time in Tokyo with a disappointing fifth-place finish in the 200 freestyle, there was some consolation for Katie Ledecky with the American winning the inaugural 1,500 freestyle gold to capture her sixth Olympic title. World record holder Kristof Milak of Hungary powered to the men's butterfly 200m gold, despite being forced into a last-minute change of swimming trunks. IN PICS| Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback The women's 200 freestyle, part two of Titmus's 'duel in the pool' with Ledecky, turned instead into a battle with Hong Kong's Siobhan Haughey with Canada's Penny Oleksiak third. Titmus won in a time of 1:53.50 while Ledecky, the defending gold medallist, finished a distant 1.71 behind the Australian. "I’m bloody exhausted," said Titmus. "That was a tough race. I knew Siobhan would be hard to beat. I could tell from the way she swam (in her heat) yesterday it would be tough to beat her," Once again the 20-year-old Titmus, dubbed 'The Terminator', delivered a blistering final lap -- she had been in third place at the 150m turn with Haughey in the lead. Titmus had beaten Ledecky to gold in the 400m freestyle on Monday and she becomes the first Australian woman to complete the 200-400 Olympic double since Shane Gould at the 1972 Munich Games. Ledecky made sure she will not leave Japan empty-handed however with her comfortable victory in the 1,500 freestyle, with teammate Erica Sullivan picking up silver and German Sarah Kohler bronze. "I’m so happy. It was a little one-two, which is very cool," she said. "You couldn’t have a better outcome than that ... after the 200 I knew I had to turn the page pretty quick." As for her disappointment in the showdown with Titmus, Ledecky was philosophical. "Maybe people feel bad for me not winning everything. But I want people to be more concerned about other things going on in the world," she said. Titmus and Ledecky are expected to face each other in the 800m freestyle on Saturday in which the American is heavily favoured, and they will also be on opposite sides in the 4x200m relay. 'A BIT GUTTED' Ohashi, who won the women's 400m medley on Sunday, produced her own double with victory in the 200m medley ahead of Americans Alex Walsh and Kate Douglass. Walsh lead at the 150m mark but Ohashi pipped her over the final, freestyle leg, of the race to delight her Japanese teammates in the spectator-free arena. "Seems like a dream," said Ohashi. "It doesn’t feel real. In the last 15 it was really hard, my legs were really hurting but I just kept kicking." After individual golds for Adam Peaty and Tom Dean, Britain's success in the pool continued with the quartet of Dean, Duncan Scott, James Guy and Matthew Richards coming within touching distance of a world record in the relay. It is the first time since 1908 that Britain have won three swimming golds at one Games. The British team won in six minutes, 58.58 -- just three hundredths shy of the world record set by the United States in 2009. "It was so close to the world record in the end, if anything, I'm a bit gutted," said Scott. They finished 3.23 seconds clear of the Russian team while Australia claimed the bronze. The United States finished fourth, the first time they have not medalled in this event, aside from the boycotted Moscow Olympics. Hungarian Milak lived up to his billing as the heavy favourite in the butterfly ahead of Japan's Tomoru Honda with Italy's Federico Burdisso taking bronze. His time of 1:51.25 was an Olympic record, surpassing Michael Phelps' mark from an event he once dominated. Phelps had set the previous Olympic record of 1:52.03 in Beijing. Milak's world record of 1:50.73 came at the world championships in Gwangju in 2019. His time might have been even faster if not for a mishap with his swimming trunks which forced a quick change. Showing reporters a ripped pair of trunks, he said: “They split 10 minutes before I entered the pool and in that moment I knew the world record was gone. "I lost my focus and knew I couldn’t do it ... but I am happy with the gold medal."

Tokyo Olympics, Swimming: More golds for Titmus and Ohashi, British men win relay

Australia's world number one Kaylee McKeown will pull out of the women's 200 meters medley at the Olympic Games over a scheduling conflict to focus on backstroke events, the national coach said on Thursday.

McKeown, 20, is ranked number one in three events coming into the Tokyo competition but the medley clashed with the 100m backstrokes, for which a tough competition is expected, head coach Rohan Taylor said.

McKeown's rivalry with Regan Smith is expected to figure prominently in Tokyo after the Australian snatched Smith's 100m backstroke world record at the Australian trials last month.

"You know, you got a rookie coming in and the&nbsp;Olympics, it's going to be a big experience for her, it's a big call," Taylor told reporters.

"They've gone for months talking about it and I respect that decision, they're going to focus on the backstrokes and medley relay."

The withdrawal could be a blow to Australia's hopes of taking on the United States in the pool, with the possible loss of a medal given McKeown's form.

The Queenslander was a highlight of the Olympic trials, setting a world record in the 100 meters backstroke and producing strong performances in both the 200m backstroke and 200m medley.

Taylor said McKeown was a newcomer but would be expected to tackle more events at future Games.

"So it's new to her, and I think emotionally, we need to respect that but if it's something she's not familiar with," he said.

"We need to make sure she's familiar with it because she is such a weapon in so many different facets."

Taylor said the team had had good preparations, with little interruption to training during the coronavirus pandemic.

"They just have that real, real competitive desire," he said.

"We've got a broader mix of depth and the types of athletes that I think can thrive in this environment, but they've got to prove it.

"So until they prove it. Yeah, we're very positive about how we're looking, but that's on paper."

Australia's world number one Kaylee McKeown will pull out of the women's 200 meters medley at the Olympic Games over a scheduling conflict to focus on backstroke events, the national coach said on Thursday.

Australia's world number one Kaylee McKeown will pull out of the women's 200 meters medley at the Olympic Games over a scheduling conflict to focus on backstroke events, the national coach said on Thursday. McKeown, 20, is ranked number one in three events coming into the Tokyo competition but the medley clashed with the 100m backstrokes, for which a tough competition is expected, head coach Rohan Taylor said. McKeown's rivalry with Regan Smith is expected to figure prominently in Tokyo after the Australian snatched Smith's 100m backstroke world record at the Australian trials last month. "You know, you got a rookie coming in and the Olympics, it's going to be a big experience for her, it's a big call," Taylor told reporters. "They've gone for months talking about it and I respect that decision, they're going to focus on the backstrokes and medley relay." The withdrawal could be a blow to Australia's hopes of taking on the United States in the pool, with the possible loss of a medal given McKeown's form. The Queenslander was a highlight of the Olympic trials, setting a world record in the 100 meters backstroke and producing strong performances in both the 200m backstroke and 200m medley. Taylor said McKeown was a newcomer but would be expected to tackle more events at future Games. "So it's new to her, and I think emotionally, we need to respect that but if it's something she's not familiar with," he said. "We need to make sure she's familiar with it because she is such a weapon in so many different facets." Taylor said the team had had good preparations, with little interruption to training during the coronavirus pandemic. "They just have that real, real competitive desire," he said. "We've got a broader mix of depth and the types of athletes that I think can thrive in this environment, but they've got to prove it. "So until they prove it. Yeah, we're very positive about how we're looking, but that's on paper."

Tokyo Olympics: Australia's Kaylee McKeown to withdraw from 200 medley

The International Swimming Federation says it will revisit its decision barring a swimming cap designed explicitly for Black hair from being utilized in the competition.&nbsp;

The creators of the Soul Cap, an item customized so swimmers with voluminous, Afro-finished hair can secure their hair while in the water, said on Instagram last week that the game's administering body had denied their application for a certificate. The choice adequately guaranteed that the cap would not be being used when the Olympic Games start this month.&nbsp;

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The news drew significant backfire, provoking the International Swimming Federation, otherwise called FINA, to deliver an assertion on Friday recognizing the public reaction and reporting that it was "reviewing" the circumstance.&nbsp;

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"FINA is committed to ensuring that all aquatics athletes have access to appropriate swimwear for a competition where this swimwear does not confer a competitive advantage. FINA is currently reviewing the situation with regards to 'Soul Cap' and similar products, understanding the importance of inclusivity and representation," the statement reads.&nbsp;

The association noticed that the cap can in any case be worn in "recreational and teaching" settings and said it will contact the producers of the cap about the chance of utilizing it inside FINA development centers. The focuses fill in as worldwide preparing offices for promising swimmers and mentors, as per the association's site. It's normal for first-class swimmers to prepare for the Olympics at the advancement habitats.&nbsp;

"FINA appreciates the efforts of 'Soul Cap' and other suppliers to ensure everyone has the chance to enjoy the water," the organization said, adding, "FINA expects to make its consideration of 'Soul Cap' and similar products part of wider initiatives aimed at ensuring there are no barriers to participation in swimming, which is both a sport and a vital life skill."

<h2>FINA didn't promptly react to a solicitation for input.&nbsp;</h2>

In light of the news that FINA is reexamining the matter, the creators of the Soul Cap revealed to NPR they trust FINA accomplices with grassroots associations who have been pushing for variety in swimming.&nbsp;

"It's a positive step that FINA is going to reconsider our swim cap as part of their 'wider initiatives aimed at ensuring there are no barriers to participation in swimming.' Our hope is that these wider initiatives mentioned will engage with and support grassroots organizations that advocate for and deliver swim education to underrepresented communities," the statement reads. "We would not have got to this point without voices like these in the community supporting us, we hope it's recognized that they're integral in creating effective and lasting change."

<h2>Champion swimmer Alice Dearing is hoping for divine intervention&nbsp;</h2>

Alice Dearing, who is scheduled to turn into the primary at any point Black woman to represent Great Britain in swimming at the Olympics this year, is a representative for the cap, as indicated by the brand's Instagram. However, except if FINA inverts it choice, she won't have the choice of wearing the Soul Cap during the games.&nbsp;

In the midst of the discussion, Dearing said during a meeting with Sky Sports that she needs to keep on empowering youthful Black swimmers and doesn't need them to expect that cutthroat swimming is anything but an inviting climate for Black competitors.&nbsp;

"I don't want little Black boys and little Black girls to look at elite swimming and think it's not open to them, because that is completely the wrong idea," she said. "It is open to them. I'm really hopeful that, it is under review, that some agreement will come about."

She concluded, "I'm really hoping that this story will have a happy ending, and I'm pretty sure it will."

The International Swimming Federation says it will revisit its decision barring a swimming cap designed explicitly for Black hair from being utilized in the competition.

The International Swimming Federation says it will revisit its decision barring a swimming cap designed explicitly for Black hair from being utilized in the competition. The creators of the Soul Cap, an item customized so swimmers with voluminous, Afro-finished hair can secure their hair while in the water, said on Instagram last week that the game's administering body had denied their application for a certificate. The choice adequately guaranteed that the cap would not be being used when the Olympic Games start this month. ALSO READ: Tennis: Naomi Osaka exhorts girls to embrace being 'different' The news drew significant backfire, provoking the International Swimming Federation, otherwise called FINA, to deliver an assertion on Friday recognizing the public reaction and reporting that it was "reviewing" the circumstance. × "FINA is committed to ensuring that all aquatics athletes have access to appropriate swimwear for a competition where this swimwear does not confer a competitive advantage. FINA is currently reviewing the situation with regards to 'Soul Cap' and similar products, understanding the importance of inclusivity and representation," the statement reads. The association noticed that the cap can in any case be worn in "recreational and teaching" settings and said it will contact the producers of the cap about the chance of utilizing it inside FINA development centers. The focuses fill in as worldwide preparing offices for promising swimmers and mentors, as per the association's site. It's normal for first-class swimmers to prepare for the Olympics at the advancement habitats. "FINA appreciates the efforts of 'Soul Cap' and other suppliers to ensure everyone has the chance to enjoy the water," the organization said, adding, "FINA expects to make its consideration of 'Soul Cap' and similar products part of wider initiatives aimed at ensuring there are no barriers to participation in swimming, which is both a sport and a vital life skill." FINA didn't promptly react to a solicitation for input. In light of the news that FINA is reexamining the matter, the creators of the Soul Cap revealed to NPR they trust FINA accomplices with grassroots associations who have been pushing for variety in swimming. "It's a positive step that FINA is going to reconsider our swim cap as part of their 'wider initiatives aimed at ensuring there are no barriers to participation in swimming.' Our hope is that these wider initiatives mentioned will engage with and support grassroots organizations that advocate for and deliver swim education to underrepresented communities," the statement reads. "We would not have got to this point without voices like these in the community supporting us, we hope it's recognized that they're integral in creating effective and lasting change." Champion swimmer Alice Dearing is hoping for divine intervention Alice Dearing, who is scheduled to turn into the primary at any point Black woman to represent Great Britain in swimming at the Olympics this year, is a representative for the cap, as indicated by the brand's Instagram. However, except if FINA inverts it choice, she won't have the choice of wearing the Soul Cap during the games. In the midst of the discussion, Dearing said during a meeting with Sky Sports that she needs to keep on empowering youthful Black swimmers and doesn't need them to expect that cutthroat swimming is anything but an inviting climate for Black competitors. "I don't want little Black boys and little Black girls to look at elite swimming and think it's not open to them, because that is completely the wrong idea," she said. "It is open to them. I'm really hopeful that, it is under review, that some agreement will come about." She concluded, "I'm really hoping that this story will have a happy ending, and I'm pretty sure it will."

Swimming: FINA to review Afro swim cap at competition level after facing backlash

The International Swimming Federation has banned caps designed for Black athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. FINA reportedly said the caps do not 'follow the natural form of the head'.

Gravitas: The Soul Cap ban controversy

The US Olympic swimming trials still get Michael Phelps's synapses firing, even though the Games great has nothing on the line at &nbsp;the pressure packed meeting.

Phelps is at the trials in Omaha as an honored spectator, but after five Olympic campaigns that yielded an astonishing 28 medals -- 23 of them gold -- Phelps said being on the deck in Omaha, Nebraska, gave him chills.

"Walking on the pool deck I had to take deep breaths, I felt chills going up my body."

Phelps said he even felt a few tears rising -- and somehow all those years of preparation for and competing at trials -- this is the first edition of the qualifying meet since 1996 in which he hasn't featured -- kicked in.

"Body-wise, I'm almost ready," Phelps said Monday. "Put me in there, let me do a time trial or something. This is all I know and all I've really understood."

In fact, Phelps said, he's not sorry to be missing the nerves and pressure, the warming up and warming down, the blood tests for lactic acid, massages and difficulty of just scheduling meals.

"But I will say it got a lot of things firing inside me last night," Phelps said. "It really excited me.

"It was probably more emotional than I thought. I haven't been to many of these larger stakes meets live for a long time.

Phelps, 35, has a ringside seat in Omaha to watch a generation of swimmers he inspired.

But right out of the gate on Sunday, Phelps was treated to a 400m individual medley final in which his former training partner and friend Chase Kalisz edged Jay Litherland in a repeat of their finish in the 2016 trials.

"It was overwhelming the first night, but in a very positive way," Phelps said.

Phelps said that even five years after his farewell Games in Rio de Janeiro, he's not sure he has fully assimilated his accomplishments -- which include his record eight-gold haul in 2008 in Beijing.

"I can think back to (being) a little kid and wanting the opportunity to swim on one Olympic team and maybe win one medal.

"Twenty-eight Olympic medals, that's still weird," he said. "That hasn't totally sunk in yet."

The US Olympic swimming trials still get Michael Phelps's synapses firing, even though the Games great has nothing on the line at the pressure packed meeting. Phelps is at the trials in Omaha as an honored spectator, but after five Olympic campaigns that yielded an astonishing 28 medals -- 23 of them gold -- Phelps said being on the deck in Omaha, Nebraska, gave him chills.

The US Olympic swimming trials still get Michael Phelps's synapses firing, even though the Games great has nothing on the line at the pressure packed meeting. Phelps is at the trials in Omaha as an honored spectator, but after five Olympic campaigns that yielded an astonishing 28 medals -- 23 of them gold -- Phelps said being on the deck in Omaha, Nebraska, gave him chills. "Walking on the pool deck I had to take deep breaths, I felt chills going up my body." Phelps said he even felt a few tears rising -- and somehow all those years of preparation for and competing at trials -- this is the first edition of the qualifying meet since 1996 in which he hasn't featured -- kicked in. "Body-wise, I'm almost ready," Phelps said Monday. "Put me in there, let me do a time trial or something. This is all I know and all I've really understood." In fact, Phelps said, he's not sorry to be missing the nerves and pressure, the warming up and warming down, the blood tests for lactic acid, massages and difficulty of just scheduling meals. "But I will say it got a lot of things firing inside me last night," Phelps said. "It really excited me. "It was probably more emotional than I thought. I haven't been to many of these larger stakes meets live for a long time. Phelps, 35, has a ringside seat in Omaha to watch a generation of swimmers he inspired. But right out of the gate on Sunday, Phelps was treated to a 400m individual medley final in which his former training partner and friend Chase Kalisz edged Jay Litherland in a repeat of their finish in the 2016 trials. "It was overwhelming the first night, but in a very positive way," Phelps said. Phelps said that even five years after his farewell Games in Rio de Janeiro, he's not sure he has fully assimilated his accomplishments -- which include his record eight-gold haul in 2008 in Beijing. "I can think back to (being) a little kid and wanting the opportunity to swim on one Olympic team and maybe win one medal. "Twenty-eight Olympic medals, that's still weird," he said. "That hasn't totally sunk in yet."

Olympic icon Phelps fired up by return to US swimming trials

&nbsp;Hungary's world record holder Kristof Milak posted the second-fastest men's 200m butterfly of all time at his home European swimming championships in Budapest on Wednesday.

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Milak stopped the clock at one minute 51.10 seconds, a championship record bettered only by the 1:50.73 he set at the 2019 world championships.

He was more than three seconds quicker than Italian silver medallist Federico Burdisso in 1:54.28, and now holds five of the 10 best swims of all time in the distance.

Another Hungarian also made news in the pool with 35-year-old Laszlo Cseh becoming the first swimmer to compete in 10 long course European championships and qualifying for the final in the 200m individual medley.

Russian Kliment Kolesnikov won the 100m freestyle in 47.37 seconds, a day after breaking the world record in the 50m backstrokes.

He then came last in the 100m backstroke semi-finals 10 minutes later and received first aid, with the medal ceremony from the earlier event delayed to give him enough time to recover.

"I was just tired, it's something that can happen to you," he said, adding that he had not given up on swimming both races at the Tokyo Olympics.

After three days, Russia took over at the top of the medals table with five golds to Britain's three.

Hungary's world record holder Kristof Milak posted the second-fastest men's 200m butterfly of all time at his home European swimming championships in Budapest on Wednesday.

Hungary's world record holder Kristof Milak posted the second-fastest men's 200m butterfly of all time at his home European swimming championships in Budapest on Wednesday. ALSO READ: NBA: Curry, James showdown as Lakers-Warriors clash Milak stopped the clock at one minute 51.10 seconds, a championship record bettered only by the 1:50.73 he set at the 2019 world championships. He was more than three seconds quicker than Italian silver medallist Federico Burdisso in 1:54.28, and now holds five of the 10 best swims of all time in the distance. Another Hungarian also made news in the pool with 35-year-old Laszlo Cseh becoming the first swimmer to compete in 10 long course European championships and qualifying for the final in the 200m individual medley. Russian Kliment Kolesnikov won the 100m freestyle in 47.37 seconds, a day after breaking the world record in the 50m backstrokes. He then came last in the 100m backstroke semi-finals 10 minutes later and received first aid, with the medal ceremony from the earlier event delayed to give him enough time to recover. "I was just tired, it's something that can happen to you," he said, adding that he had not given up on swimming both races at the Tokyo Olympics. After three days, Russia took over at the top of the medals table with five golds to Britain's three.

Swimming: Milak clocks second fastest 200m butterfly in history

Olympic swimming champion Joseph Schooling is seeking to further delay his national service in Singapore so he can compete in the postponed Tokyo Games, officials said Wednesday.&nbsp;

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The city-state requires all male citizens aged 18 to serve two years in the military, the police or the emergency services, an obligation authorities rarely let people skip.

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But Schooling was allowed to defer national service in 2014 to train for the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he famously beat his idol Michael Phelps to win the 100-metre butterfly gold.

He got another deferment to train for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but the Games were moved to next year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Singapore's defence ministry said Schooling and another Tokyo-bound Singapore swimmer, Quah Zheng Wen, have applied to further postpone their national service to compete in the Olympics.

The ministry said it would examine "details of their training plans and milestones" before making a decision.

Schooling faces a tough fight to repeat his 2016 success -- he was criticised for being out of shape at last year's Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines, where he won only one individual gold medal.

In 2018, the defence ministry refused an application by Singaporean football player Ben Davis to defer national service so he could play in the English Premier League, saying he did not meet the criteria.

Davis signed a deal with Premier League side Fulham anyway, and could now face jail for missing his national service if he returns to Singapore.

Olympic swimming champion Joseph Schooling is seeking to further delay his national service in Singapore so he can compete in the postponed Tokyo Games, officials said Wednesday.

Olympic swimming champion Joseph Schooling is seeking to further delay his national service in Singapore so he can compete in the postponed Tokyo Games, officials said Wednesday. Also read: 'Shocked' US women stars to appeal equal pay defeat The city-state requires all male citizens aged 18 to serve two years in the military, the police or the emergency services, an obligation authorities rarely let people skip. Also read: Ramsey first back at Juve training, Ronaldo in quarantine But Schooling was allowed to defer national service in 2014 to train for the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he famously beat his idol Michael Phelps to win the 100-metre butterfly gold. He got another deferment to train for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but the Games were moved to next year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Singapore's defence ministry said Schooling and another Tokyo-bound Singapore swimmer, Quah Zheng Wen, have applied to further postpone their national service to compete in the Olympics. The ministry said it would examine "details of their training plans and milestones" before making a decision. Schooling faces a tough fight to repeat his 2016 success -- he was criticised for being out of shape at last year's Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines, where he won only one individual gold medal. In 2018, the defence ministry refused an application by Singaporean football player Ben Davis to defer national service so he could play in the English Premier League, saying he did not meet the criteria. Davis signed a deal with Premier League side Fulham anyway, and could now face jail for missing his national service if he returns to Singapore.

Swimmer Schooling seeks national service delay after Olympics moved

British endurance swimmer and United Nations patron of oceans Lewis Gordon Pugh braved the freezing temperatures of East Antarctica, swimming in its icy rivers, to raise awareness about climate change.

Swimmer raises awareness on climate change in freezing Antarctic waters

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-set-for-nike-deal-after-winning-new-balance-case-258176">Nike</a> announced its new Victory Swim Collection on Wednesday which will include a Full-Coverage Swimsuit and will&nbsp;provide a game-changing option for female athletes seeking full coverage and a full range of motion in the water.&nbsp;

The Nike Victory Swim Line is slated to&nbsp;be available globally at select retailers and online from February 1, 2020,&nbsp;onwards. It will&nbsp;include swim separate options of hijab, tunic top and leggings for modest swimwear along with the full coverage swimsuit.&nbsp;

"The design of the Nike Victory Swim Collection serves a variety of needs from modesty preferences to sun protection and represents Nike's commitment to inclusive design, providing more women with game-changing innovation to enjoy sport," the company said.

Nike was inspired by athletes passionate response to the company’s ''Pro Hijab''&nbsp;in 2017 which addressed issues that female athletes faced trying to find a hijab that worked well for a particular sport in a time hijabs were not fully understood.&nbsp;

Nike designers were introduced to the striking gap in apparel for water sports with athletes commenting that swimwear presented a barrier, rather than a conduit, to enjoying the water.&nbsp;

While variations of “Burkinis” can be found in several Islamic countries and online, the attire is not appropriate for swimming as it weighs the swimmer down, a problem that Nike seems to have solved by making its new line from fabric that is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying with UPF 40+ sun protection.&nbsp;

The company said that it was inspired by Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari, the first in her sport to don the hijab in competition.&nbsp;

Nike’s Creative Director, VP, Martha Moore said that the company was excited to inspire more women to see themselves in sport through the means of creative thinking and inclusive design.&nbsp;

“The more we listened, the more possibility we saw to serve female athletes in new dimensions…As we continue broadening our vision for innovation, we’re excited to inspire more women to see themselves in sport by thinking creatively and designing inclusively. To us, Nike Victory Swim Collection shows the power of innovation to invite all women to discover the joy of sport,” said Moore in a statement.&nbsp;

Nike announced its new Victory Swim Collection on Wednesday which will include a Full-Coverage Swimsuit and will provide a game-changing option for female athletes seeking full coverage and a full range of motion in the water.

Nike announced its new Victory Swim Collection on Wednesday which will include a Full-Coverage Swimsuit and will provide a game-changing option for female athletes seeking full coverage and a full range of motion in the water. The Nike Victory Swim Line is slated to be available globally at select retailers and online from February 1, 2020, onwards. It will include swim separate options of hijab, tunic top and leggings for modest swimwear along with the full coverage swimsuit. "The design of the Nike Victory Swim Collection serves a variety of needs from modesty preferences to sun protection and represents Nike's commitment to inclusive design, providing more women with game-changing innovation to enjoy sport," the company said. Nike was inspired by athletes passionate response to the company’s ''Pro Hijab'' in 2017 which addressed issues that female athletes faced trying to find a hijab that worked well for a particular sport in a time hijabs were not fully understood. Nike designers were introduced to the striking gap in apparel for water sports with athletes commenting that swimwear presented a barrier, rather than a conduit, to enjoying the water. While variations of “Burkinis” can be found in several Islamic countries and online, the attire is not appropriate for swimming as it weighs the swimmer down, a problem that Nike seems to have solved by making its new line from fabric that is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying with UPF 40+ sun protection. The company said that it was inspired by Emirati figure skater Zahra Lari, the first in her sport to don the hijab in competition. Nike’s Creative Director, VP, Martha Moore said that the company was excited to inspire more women to see themselves in sport through the means of creative thinking and inclusive design. “The more we listened, the more possibility we saw to serve female athletes in new dimensions…As we continue broadening our vision for innovation, we’re excited to inspire more women to see themselves in sport by thinking creatively and designing inclusively. To us, Nike Victory Swim Collection shows the power of innovation to invite all women to discover the joy of sport,” said Moore in a statement.

Nike announces new swimwear collection to include ‘Swim Hijab’  

The United States set a world record of three minutes and 50.40 seconds in the women's 4x100m medley relay final at the world championships on Sunday.

The quartet of Regan Smith, Lilly King, Kelsi Dahlia and Simone Manuel helped the US&nbsp;better their own world record of 3:51.55 en route to the 2017 world title in Budapest.

In the lead-off leg, Smith set a backstroke world record of 57.57 seconds.

Australia (3:53.42) took silver, while Canada (3:53.58) took bronze.

The United States set a world record of three minutes and 50.40 seconds in the women's 4x100m medley relay final at the world championships on Sunday. The quartet of Regan Smith, Lilly King, Kelsi Dahlia and Simone Manuel helped the US better their own world record of 3:51.

The United States set a world record of three minutes and 50.40 seconds in the women's 4x100m medley relay final at the world championships on Sunday. The quartet of Regan Smith, Lilly King, Kelsi Dahlia and Simone Manuel helped the US better their own world record of 3:51.55 en route to the 2017 world title in Budapest. In the lead-off leg, Smith set a backstroke world record of 57.57 seconds. Australia (3:53.42) took silver, while Canada (3:53.58) took bronze.

US set world record, claim women's 4x100m medley relay gold

American star Caeleb Dressel, swimming's chiselled, tattooed pin-up boy, destroyed Michael Phelps's 100 metres butterfly world record Friday as countrywoman Simone Manuel retained her 100m freestyle world title.

Reigning champ Dressel clenched a fist in the direction of flag-waving American fans after clocking an astonishing 49.50 seconds in Gwangju to eclipse the American legend's old bodysuit mark by 0.32 and rob him of a second world record in 48 hours.

Dressel's fireworks were matched in the next event when American teenager Smith crushed the women's 200m backstroke world record, before Russian Anton Chupkov emulated them as he stormed to gold in the 200m breaststroke.

But Dressel, who has already won three gold medals this week, remains the hottest ticket in South Korea.

"It can be a scary thought," said Dressel, who looks on course to match or even surpass the seven golds he scooped at the 2017 world championships in Budapest.

"I woke up today and I wanted to do it," added the 22-year-old, who logged a 21.18 in the 50m freestyle semis after a quick turnaround.&nbsp;

"I didn't really have the nerves, I just wanted to do it. Records are meant to be broken, I hope Michael was happy watching me do that."

Phelps, the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, has lost both of his 2009 long course butterfly world records in Korea after Hungarian teenager Kristof Milak destroyed his previous mark in the 200m fly.

A record-breaking night helped turn the spotlight back on swimming after a week of athlete protests and insults targeting China's Sun Yang, the 11-time world champion who a FINA doping panel report has accused of destroying blood vials after a visit from drug testers.

Sun's Australian coach Denis Cotterell told AFP that the hulking Chinese athlete has been made a scapegoat for grievances swimmers have against FINA, the sport's governing body.

"You can't have the performances he's had over the years without doing the work," he said. "He's tested year in, year out and winning every year."

Russian hat-trick

Manuel exploded from the blocks in lane one to win gold in the women's 100m free in 52.04 ahead of Australian Cate Campbell and Sweden's world record-holder Sarah Sjostrom.

"I felt a lot of pressure to repeat," said Olympic champ Manuel. "It feels amazing."

Chupkov found an extra gear off the final wall to snatch 200m breaststroke gold in 2:06.12 -- knocking more than half a second off the previous world best, with Aussie Matt Wilson taking silver.

Smith covered her face with her hands after shattering the women's 200m backstroke world record, clocking 2:03.35 to erase Missy Franklin's old mark by more then seven-tenths.

"I'm in shock," gasped the 17-year-old. "I didn't think I'd ever do that -- it's crazy."

Sun, who retained his 200 and 400m free titles this week, and China finished a distant sixth in the men's 4x200m freestyle behind winners Australia.

Mack Horton, who refused to take the podium after losing to Sun in the 400m final last weekend, conjured an astonishing late fightback to anchor the Aussies to gold in a time of 7:00.85 with Russia taking silver and the United States bronze.&nbsp;

Russian Yulia Efimova, who has twice tested positive for banned substances in the past, became the first woman to three-peat in the 200m breaststroke, clocking 2:20.17 -- more than two seconds faster than silver medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker.

Meanwhile, Evgeny Rylov retained his 200m backstroke crown in 1:53.40 and complete a Russian hat-trick of gold medals on day six.

American star Caeleb Dressel, swimming's chiselled, tattooed pin-up boy, destroyed Michael Phelps's 100 metres butterfly world record Friday as countrywoman Simone Manuel retained her 100m freestyle world title.

American star Caeleb Dressel, swimming's chiselled, tattooed pin-up boy, destroyed Michael Phelps's 100 metres butterfly world record Friday as countrywoman Simone Manuel retained her 100m freestyle world title. Reigning champ Dressel clenched a fist in the direction of flag-waving American fans after clocking an astonishing 49.50 seconds in Gwangju to eclipse the American legend's old bodysuit mark by 0.32 and rob him of a second world record in 48 hours. Dressel's fireworks were matched in the next event when American teenager Smith crushed the women's 200m backstroke world record, before Russian Anton Chupkov emulated them as he stormed to gold in the 200m breaststroke. But Dressel, who has already won three gold medals this week, remains the hottest ticket in South Korea. "It can be a scary thought," said Dressel, who looks on course to match or even surpass the seven golds he scooped at the 2017 world championships in Budapest. "I woke up today and I wanted to do it," added the 22-year-old, who logged a 21.18 in the 50m freestyle semis after a quick turnaround. "I didn't really have the nerves, I just wanted to do it. Records are meant to be broken, I hope Michael was happy watching me do that." Phelps, the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, has lost both of his 2009 long course butterfly world records in Korea after Hungarian teenager Kristof Milak destroyed his previous mark in the 200m fly. A record-breaking night helped turn the spotlight back on swimming after a week of athlete protests and insults targeting China's Sun Yang, the 11-time world champion who a FINA doping panel report has accused of destroying blood vials after a visit from drug testers. Sun's Australian coach Denis Cotterell told AFP that the hulking Chinese athlete has been made a scapegoat for grievances swimmers have against FINA, the sport's governing body. "You can't have the performances he's had over the years without doing the work," he said. "He's tested year in, year out and winning every year." Russian hat-trick Manuel exploded from the blocks in lane one to win gold in the women's 100m free in 52.04 ahead of Australian Cate Campbell and Sweden's world record-holder Sarah Sjostrom. "I felt a lot of pressure to repeat," said Olympic champ Manuel. "It feels amazing." Chupkov found an extra gear off the final wall to snatch 200m breaststroke gold in 2:06.12 -- knocking more than half a second off the previous world best, with Aussie Matt Wilson taking silver. Smith covered her face with her hands after shattering the women's 200m backstroke world record, clocking 2:03.35 to erase Missy Franklin's old mark by more then seven-tenths. "I'm in shock," gasped the 17-year-old. "I didn't think I'd ever do that -- it's crazy." Sun, who retained his 200 and 400m free titles this week, and China finished a distant sixth in the men's 4x200m freestyle behind winners Australia. Mack Horton, who refused to take the podium after losing to Sun in the 400m final last weekend, conjured an astonishing late fightback to anchor the Aussies to gold in a time of 7:00.85 with Russia taking silver and the United States bronze. Russian Yulia Efimova, who has twice tested positive for banned substances in the past, became the first woman to three-peat in the 200m breaststroke, clocking 2:20.17 -- more than two seconds faster than silver medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker. Meanwhile, Evgeny Rylov retained his 200m backstroke crown in 1:53.40 and complete a Russian hat-trick of gold medals on day six.

USA's Caeleb Dressel sparks record-breaking night at world swim

Britain's Adam Peaty became the first male swimmer to capture three 100 metres breaststroke world titles Monday, completing his golden treble in dominant fashion.

The 24-year-old, unbeaten in five years over the distance in major competitions, clocked 57.14 seconds in Gwangju, a day after smashing his own world record by ducking under 57 seconds -- also a first.

Peaty previously shared the record of two 100m breaststroke world titles with American Brendan Hansen and Hungary's Norbert Rozsa.

He also became the first man to bag five world championship medals in breaststroke events.

Peaty burst from the blocks once again, turning just inside world record pace and leaving his rivals scrapping for the silver and bronze.

Fellow Englishman James Wilby emerged with the silver with a time of 58.46 with China's Yan Zibei taking bronze in an Asian record of 58.63.

Peaty, who set a new world best of 56.88 at the weekend, puffed out his cheeks and gave a wry smile after looking up at the giant screen to see he had just missed out.

The tattooed pin-up is also looking to complete a 50m world treble this week when he could take down another of his world records.

Peaty has dominated both distances in recent years, setting the 15 best times in the 100m breaststroke.

Britain's Adam Peaty became the first male swimmer to capture three 100 metres breaststroke world titles Monday, completing his golden treble in dominant fashion.

Britain's Adam Peaty became the first male swimmer to capture three 100 metres breaststroke world titles Monday, completing his golden treble in dominant fashion. The 24-year-old, unbeaten in five years over the distance in major competitions, clocked 57.14 seconds in Gwangju, a day after smashing his own world record by ducking under 57 seconds -- also a first. Peaty previously shared the record of two 100m breaststroke world titles with American Brendan Hansen and Hungary's Norbert Rozsa. He also became the first man to bag five world championship medals in breaststroke events. Peaty burst from the blocks once again, turning just inside world record pace and leaving his rivals scrapping for the silver and bronze. Fellow Englishman James Wilby emerged with the silver with a time of 58.46 with China's Yan Zibei taking bronze in an Asian record of 58.63. Peaty, who set a new world best of 56.88 at the weekend, puffed out his cheeks and gave a wry smile after looking up at the giant screen to see he had just missed out. The tattooed pin-up is also looking to complete a 50m world treble this week when he could take down another of his world records. Peaty has dominated both distances in recent years, setting the 15 best times in the 100m breaststroke.

Britain's Adam Peaty completes world treble in men's 100m breaststroke

World championship swimmers slammed China's Sun Yang over lurid doping allegations and said competitors were firmly behind Australia's Mack Horton, who snubbed the Olympic star on the podium.

America's Matt Grevers said many competitors "don't trust" Sun, while world record-holder Lilly King said athletes "erupted in applause" after Horton refused to join his rival on the podium for photos after the 400 metres freestyle medals ceremony.

Triple Olympic champion Sun is facing allegations, outlined in a leaked FINA doping panel report, that he smashed vials of blood with a hammer when testers visited him last year.

FINA cleared Sun to compete but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the decision at the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), putting the swimmer's career on the line.

If Sun is found guilty of a doping violation, he could face a lifetime ban after serving a three-month suspension in 2014 for taking a banned stimulant he claimed was for a heart problem.

Grevers, along with King and several other swimmers, praised Australian Mack Horton for his "risky" protest on Sunday after finishing second behind Sun in the 400m freestyle final in Gwangju, South Korea.

"We don't know if there's going to be penalties or sanctions against him (Horton) but I think he knew there were risks and felt strongly enough to still do it," said the American backstroker.

"It's obviously something he feels passionate about. I don't feel like it really hurt Sun Yang. It's just to let him know that it was a weird incident and until it gets uncovered, we don't really trust you."

Australian Mitch Larkin also backed the stand of his team-mate Horton, who called Sun a "drug cheat" before beating him at the 2016 Rio Olympics -- two years after his Chinese rival tested positive for the banned stimulant.

"I'm super-proud of Mack," said Larkin after the morning's 100m backstroke heats.

"The whole Aussie team backs him 100 percent," added the former world champion.

"I think 99 percent of athletes around the pool deck back him, so he's not really standing alone. What he did was certainly brave and gutsy and I have a lot of respect for him for doing that."

'Pretty baller'

Asked if he felt confident he would be competing in clean races in South Korea this week, Larkin shrugged: "You can never be confident -- I know I'm a clean athlete and do everything I can, so I just have to trust that's enough."

Olympic breaststroke champion King, one of swimming's most outspoken athletes, revealed that swimmers at the village had applauded Horton's protest after the medal ceremony, which triggered boos from Chinese fans and prompted Sun to criticise the Aussie for being "disrespectful to China."

"Pretty baller, honestly," the American said of Horton's actions.

"It was awesome. Actually when he walked into the dining hall after us, the whole dining hall erupted in applause so it was pretty good to see the athletes united on his stance as well."

Only last week, King hit out at swimming's governing body over its doping protocols, describing the details of Sun's alleged doping violation as "sketchy" and calling for more to be done to beat the drug cheats.

"I don't think anyone in FINA is going to stand up for the athletes," fumed King, who let rip at rival Yulia Efimova at the Rio Olympics over the Russian's previous 16-month doping ban.&nbsp;

"The athletes have to stand up for themselves, so I think it's definitely a start if these guys are taking a stand against doping."

On Sunday, Sun hit out at Horton over his podium protest, saying the Australian should have shown more respect.

"Not everyone likes me -- I don't care," said Sun, when asked about Horton's snub.

"It's OK if you don't respect me personally, but at the victory ceremony -- which is a sincere occasion -- you should show respect to my country."

World championship swimmers slammed China's Sun Yang over lurid doping allegations and said competitors were firmly behind Australia's Mack Horton, who snubbed the Olympic star on the podium.

World championship swimmers slammed China's Sun Yang over lurid doping allegations and said competitors were firmly behind Australia's Mack Horton, who snubbed the Olympic star on the podium. America's Matt Grevers said many competitors "don't trust" Sun, while world record-holder Lilly King said athletes "erupted in applause" after Horton refused to join his rival on the podium for photos after the 400 metres freestyle medals ceremony. Triple Olympic champion Sun is facing allegations, outlined in a leaked FINA doping panel report, that he smashed vials of blood with a hammer when testers visited him last year. FINA cleared Sun to compete but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the decision at the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), putting the swimmer's career on the line. If Sun is found guilty of a doping violation, he could face a lifetime ban after serving a three-month suspension in 2014 for taking a banned stimulant he claimed was for a heart problem. Grevers, along with King and several other swimmers, praised Australian Mack Horton for his "risky" protest on Sunday after finishing second behind Sun in the 400m freestyle final in Gwangju, South Korea. "We don't know if there's going to be penalties or sanctions against him (Horton) but I think he knew there were risks and felt strongly enough to still do it," said the American backstroker. "It's obviously something he feels passionate about. I don't feel like it really hurt Sun Yang. It's just to let him know that it was a weird incident and until it gets uncovered, we don't really trust you." Australian Mitch Larkin also backed the stand of his team-mate Horton, who called Sun a "drug cheat" before beating him at the 2016 Rio Olympics -- two years after his Chinese rival tested positive for the banned stimulant. "I'm super-proud of Mack," said Larkin after the morning's 100m backstroke heats. "The whole Aussie team backs him 100 percent," added the former world champion. "I think 99 percent of athletes around the pool deck back him, so he's not really standing alone. What he did was certainly brave and gutsy and I have a lot of respect for him for doing that." 'Pretty baller' Asked if he felt confident he would be competing in clean races in South Korea this week, Larkin shrugged: "You can never be confident -- I know I'm a clean athlete and do everything I can, so I just have to trust that's enough." Olympic breaststroke champion King, one of swimming's most outspoken athletes, revealed that swimmers at the village had applauded Horton's protest after the medal ceremony, which triggered boos from Chinese fans and prompted Sun to criticise the Aussie for being "disrespectful to China." "Pretty baller, honestly," the American said of Horton's actions. "It was awesome. Actually when he walked into the dining hall after us, the whole dining hall erupted in applause so it was pretty good to see the athletes united on his stance as well." Only last week, King hit out at swimming's governing body over its doping protocols, describing the details of Sun's alleged doping violation as "sketchy" and calling for more to be done to beat the drug cheats. "I don't think anyone in FINA is going to stand up for the athletes," fumed King, who let rip at rival Yulia Efimova at the Rio Olympics over the Russian's previous 16-month doping ban. "The athletes have to stand up for themselves, so I think it's definitely a start if these guys are taking a stand against doping." On Sunday, Sun hit out at Horton over his podium protest, saying the Australian should have shown more respect. "Not everyone likes me -- I don't care," said Sun, when asked about Horton's snub. "It's OK if you don't respect me personally, but at the victory ceremony -- which is a sincere occasion -- you should show respect to my country."

Swimmers 'don't trust' Sun Yang as doping row boils over

Britain's Adam Peaty shattered his own 100 metres breaststroke world record Sunday as he chased a third successive world title.

The Olympic champion stormed home to win his semi-final in a time of 56.88 seconds, becoming the first swimmer to break 57 seconds and eclipsing his previous mark by just over two tenths.

Peaty has not been beaten for five years over 100 metres breaststroke in major competition and he never looked in any danger in the second men's semi-final on day one in Gwangju.

The tattooed pin-up, chasing a hat-trick of world doubles in the 50m and 100m, went out strong, turning 0.12 inside world record pace as fellow Briton James Wilby struggled to keep up.

Peaty punched the air after the roar of the crowd told him he had finally broken the magical 57-second barrier.

Wilby and Japan's Yasuhiro Koseki finished two seconds behind the peerless Peaty in an almost embarrassingly lopsided race.

China's Yan Zibei won the first semi-final in 58.67 to qualify second behind Peaty for Monday's final.

Britain's Adam Peaty shattered his own 100 metres breaststroke world record Sunday as he chased a third successive world title. The Olympic champion stormed home to win his semi-final in a time of 56.

Britain's Adam Peaty shattered his own 100 metres breaststroke world record Sunday as he chased a third successive world title. The Olympic champion stormed home to win his semi-final in a time of 56.88 seconds, becoming the first swimmer to break 57 seconds and eclipsing his previous mark by just over two tenths. Peaty has not been beaten for five years over 100 metres breaststroke in major competition and he never looked in any danger in the second men's semi-final on day one in Gwangju. The tattooed pin-up, chasing a hat-trick of world doubles in the 50m and 100m, went out strong, turning 0.12 inside world record pace as fellow Briton James Wilby struggled to keep up. Peaty punched the air after the roar of the crowd told him he had finally broken the magical 57-second barrier. Wilby and Japan's Yasuhiro Koseki finished two seconds behind the peerless Peaty in an almost embarrassingly lopsided race. China's Yan Zibei won the first semi-final in 58.67 to qualify second behind Peaty for Monday's final.

Britain's Adam Peaty crushes 100m breaststroke world record

Britain's Adam Peaty promised to go even faster after shattering his own <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adam-peaty-crushes-100m-breaststroke-world-record-237475">100 metres breaststroke world record</a> Sunday.

The Olympic champion stormed home to win his semi-final in a time of 56.88 seconds, becoming the first swimmer to break 57 seconds and eclipsing his previous mark by just over two tenths.

"There's no other word except for incredible. I've been chasing that for three years now," said the 24-year-old.

"Ever since I touched that wall in Rio, I knew I could go faster," he added.&nbsp;

"It always comes down to where and when you do it and what kind of season you've had."

"(In the final) hopefully we can go a little faster. It's still the semi-final. It'd be embarrassing not to come away with the world title but you know I don't think like that."

Peaty has not been beaten for five years over 100 metres breaststroke in major competition and he never looked in any danger in the second men's semi-final on day one in Gwangju.

The tattooed pin-up, chasing a hat-trick of world doubles in the 50m and 100m, went out strong, turning 0.12 inside world record pace as fellow Briton James Wilby struggled to keep up.

Peaty punched the air after the roar of the crowd told him he had finally broken the magical 57-second barrier.

"I said I wasn't going to chase 56," he said. "I'd let it come to me and that's exactly what we've done.

"I've learnt that the most important asset is my mental health. If I'm chasing 56, it's unhealthy."&nbsp;

But Peaty insisted his main focus was on Monday's final.&nbsp;

"The process in my head is tomorrow anyone can beat me," he said.&nbsp;

"I think that's the place you've got to be, because if I go into that race thinking I'm the world record holder I won't be achieving the best possible version of myself," he added.

"I've come here to win a world title and that's still my main focus, so this was just a bonus and I'll use this energy tomorrow."

Wilby and Japan's Yasuhiro Koseki finished two seconds behind the peerless Peaty in an almost embarrassingly lopsided race.

China's Yan Zibei won the first semi-final in 58.67 to qualify second behind Peaty for the final.

Title holder Peaty will also battle it out for the 50m breaststroke crown later in the week.

"I think I've evolved so much in these last three years," he said.

"I'm not an angry&nbsp;teenager anymore."

Britain's Adam Peaty promised to go even faster after shattering his own 100 metres breaststroke world record Sunday. The Olympic champion stormed home to win his semi-final in a time of 56.

Britain's Adam Peaty promised to go even faster after shattering his own 100 metres breaststroke world record Sunday. The Olympic champion stormed home to win his semi-final in a time of 56.88 seconds, becoming the first swimmer to break 57 seconds and eclipsing his previous mark by just over two tenths. "There's no other word except for incredible. I've been chasing that for three years now," said the 24-year-old. "Ever since I touched that wall in Rio, I knew I could go faster," he added. "It always comes down to where and when you do it and what kind of season you've had." "(In the final) hopefully we can go a little faster. It's still the semi-final. It'd be embarrassing not to come away with the world title but you know I don't think like that." Peaty has not been beaten for five years over 100 metres breaststroke in major competition and he never looked in any danger in the second men's semi-final on day one in Gwangju. The tattooed pin-up, chasing a hat-trick of world doubles in the 50m and 100m, went out strong, turning 0.12 inside world record pace as fellow Briton James Wilby struggled to keep up. Peaty punched the air after the roar of the crowd told him he had finally broken the magical 57-second barrier. "I said I wasn't going to chase 56," he said. "I'd let it come to me and that's exactly what we've done. "I've learnt that the most important asset is my mental health. If I'm chasing 56, it's unhealthy." But Peaty insisted his main focus was on Monday's final. "The process in my head is tomorrow anyone can beat me," he said. "I think that's the place you've got to be, because if I go into that race thinking I'm the world record holder I won't be achieving the best possible version of myself," he added. "I've come here to win a world title and that's still my main focus, so this was just a bonus and I'll use this energy tomorrow." Wilby and Japan's Yasuhiro Koseki finished two seconds behind the peerless Peaty in an almost embarrassingly lopsided race. China's Yan Zibei won the first semi-final in 58.67 to qualify second behind Peaty for the final. Title holder Peaty will also battle it out for the 50m breaststroke crown later in the week. "I think I've evolved so much in these last three years," he said. "I'm not an angry teenager anymore."

'I've evolved so much', says Adam Peaty after smashing magical 57 seconds

China's Sun Yang stormed to 400 metres freestyle gold at the world swimming championships Sunday, retaining his title and winning it for a record fourth time.

The controversial triple Olympic champion clocked three minutes, 42.44 seconds in Gwangju with fierce Australian rival Mack Horton taking silver in a repeat of the 2017 result.

Sun, facing fresh allegations of violating doping protocols coming into the eight-day meet, slapped the water and roared in delight, savouring his moment as he sat on the lane rope.

As he climbed out of the pool after claiming the first gold medal of the eight-day swimming competition, Sun pumped his fist at the crowd and bellowed in delight.

Greeted by&nbsp;deafening cheers from flag-waving Chinese fans screaming his name, Sun sauntered onto the pool deck in headphones and goggles.

After a conservative first 200m, he pulled away inexorably over the second half to claim his 10th world title.

Horton claimed silver in 3:43.17 and Italian Gabriele Detti bronze in 3:43.23 for a carbon copy of the 2017 podium in Budapest.

Sun and Horton have also clashed outside the pool with the Aussie labelling him a "drug cheat" before pipping him to gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics over a three-month suspension Sun previously served for taking a banned stimulant he claimed was for a heart problem.

The giant Chinese faces claims outlined in a leaked FINA doping panel report that he smashed blood samples with a hammer when testers visited him last year.&nbsp;

China's Sun Yang stormed to 400 metres freestyle gold at the world swimming championships Sunday, retaining his title and winning it for a record fourth time. The controversial triple Olympic champion clocked three minutes, 42.

China's Sun Yang stormed to 400 metres freestyle gold at the world swimming championships Sunday, retaining his title and winning it for a record fourth time. The controversial triple Olympic champion clocked three minutes, 42.44 seconds in Gwangju with fierce Australian rival Mack Horton taking silver in a repeat of the 2017 result. Sun, facing fresh allegations of violating doping protocols coming into the eight-day meet, slapped the water and roared in delight, savouring his moment as he sat on the lane rope. As he climbed out of the pool after claiming the first gold medal of the eight-day swimming competition, Sun pumped his fist at the crowd and bellowed in delight. Greeted by deafening cheers from flag-waving Chinese fans screaming his name, Sun sauntered onto the pool deck in headphones and goggles. After a conservative first 200m, he pulled away inexorably over the second half to claim his 10th world title. Horton claimed silver in 3:43.17 and Italian Gabriele Detti bronze in 3:43.23 for a carbon copy of the 2017 podium in Budapest. Sun and Horton have also clashed outside the pool with the Aussie labelling him a "drug cheat" before pipping him to gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics over a three-month suspension Sun previously served for taking a banned stimulant he claimed was for a heart problem. The giant Chinese faces claims outlined in a leaked FINA doping panel report that he smashed blood samples with a hammer when testers visited him last year.

China's Sun Yang blazes to record fourth 400m freestyle world crown

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