China’s swimming sensation Yu Zidi has already made waves in the swimming world, but the 12-year-old etched her name into history. Yu became the youngest-ever medalist at the competition after being part of the China’s bronze winning medal team in the women’s 4x200-meter freestyle relay. While she didn’t swim in the final, Yu played a crucial role in the preliminaries, helping her team secure a spot in the medal race and thus qualifying for a medal.&nbsp;Australia’s quartet of Lani Pallister, Jamie Perkins, Brittany Castelluzzo, and Mollie O’Callaghan secured gold with a time of 7:39.35. The United States took silver in 7:40.01, while China finished third in 7:42.99. Earlier in the day, Yu came agonizingly close to an individual podium finish in the women’s 200m butterfly, missing bronze by just 0.31 seconds to Australia’s Elizabeth Dekkers. Yu will have one final shot at individual glory in Singapore when she competes in the women’s 400m medley on Sunday (August 3), with both the heats and final scheduled that day.<h2>Who is Yu Zidi?</h2>At just 12 years old, Yu Zidi is already making waves in international swimming circuit. The Chinese sensation is competing in her first-ever World Aquatics Championships in Singapore — becoming the second-youngest competitor in the event’s history — and has already delivered a performance well beyond her years.&nbsp;In her debut race, the 200m individual medley, Yu finished fourth, missing out on a bronze medal by a razor-thin 0.06 seconds. Her time of 2:09.21 was more than a second faster than her previous best, and astonishingly, over nine seconds quicker than the U.S. girls’ national age-group record for 11-12-year-olds. She’s also faster than the boys’ record in that age bracket by three seconds. Yu’s swimming journey began at six when she met a coach during a family trip to a water park. Her rapid rise has been guided by Olympic medallist Li Bingjie — Yu’s idol and mentor — who she affectionately calls her “older sister.” Despite most World Championship swimmers needing to be at least 14, Yu qualified early by meeting the competition’s elite “A” standard.&nbsp;Last year, Yu narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics in the 400m individual medley, falling just over two seconds short. But at the 2024 Chinese Nationals, her 4:35.53 would have placed fourth in the Olympic final. In May, she shattered the 12-year-old world record in the 200m IM with a 2:10.63, prompting World Aquatics to hail her as a “sensation.”&nbsp;While the 200m IM is considered only her third-best event — behind the 200m butterfly and 400m IM — Yu’s fearless debut has made her a medal contender in the days ahead. “She’s phenomenally talented at such a young age,” American silver medallist Alex Walsh was quoted saying in an interview. “It’ll be exciting to see how she builds on this meet because her future is incredibly bright.”

History made 12 year old swimming sensation Yu Zidi becomes youngest medalist at World Aquatics Championships

China’s swimming sensation Yu Zidi has already made waves in the swimming world, but the 12-year-old etched her name into history. Yu became the youngest-ever medalist at the competition after being part of the China’s bronze winning medal team in the women’s 4x200-meter freestyle relay. While she didn’t swim in the final, Yu played a crucial role in the preliminaries, helping her team secure a spot in the medal race and thus qualifying for a medal. Australia’s quartet of Lani Pallister, Jamie Perkins, Brittany Castelluzzo, and Mollie O’Callaghan secured gold with a time of 7:39.35. The United States took silver in 7:40.01, while China finished third in 7:42.99. Earlier in the day, Yu came agonizingly close to an individual podium finish in the women’s 200m butterfly, missing bronze by just 0.31 seconds to Australia’s Elizabeth Dekkers. Yu will have one final shot at individual glory in Singapore when she competes in the women’s 400m medley on Sunday (August 3), with both the heats and final scheduled that day. Who is Yu Zidi? At just 12 years old, Yu Zidi is already making waves in international swimming circuit. The Chinese sensation is competing in her first-ever World Aquatics Championships in Singapore — becoming the second-youngest competitor in the event’s history — and has already delivered a performance well beyond her years. In her debut race, the 200m individual medley, Yu finished fourth, missing out on a bronze medal by a razor-thin 0.06 seconds. Her time of 2:09.21 was more than a second faster than her previous best, and astonishingly, over nine seconds quicker than the U.S. girls’ national age-group record for 11-12-year-olds. She’s also faster than the boys’ record in that age bracket by three seconds. Yu’s swimming journey began at six when she met a coach during a family trip to a water park. Her rapid rise has been guided by Olympic medallist Li Bingjie — Yu’s idol and mentor — who she affectionately calls her “older sister.” Despite most World Championship swimmers needing to be at least 14, Yu qualified early by meeting the competition’s elite “A” standard. Last year, Yu narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics in the 400m individual medley, falling just over two seconds short. But at the 2024 Chinese Nationals, her 4:35.53 would have placed fourth in the Olympic final. In May, she shattered the 12-year-old world record in the 200m IM with a 2:10.63, prompting World Aquatics to hail her as a “sensation.” While the 200m IM is considered only her third-best event — behind the 200m butterfly and 400m IM — Yu’s fearless debut has made her a medal contender in the days ahead. “She’s phenomenally talented at such a young age,” American silver medallist Alex Walsh was quoted saying in an interview. “It’ll be exciting to see how she builds on this meet because her future is incredibly bright.”

Yu, who will turn 13 in October, discovered swimming at an age six as a way to cool off during China's summers. Last year, Yu narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics in the 400m individual medley, falling just over two seconds short

History made! Yu Zidi, 12-year-old swimming sensation becomes youngest medalist at World Aquatics Championships

Canadian swimming star Summer McIntosh secured her third gold medal in the ongoing World Aquatics Championships, being held in Singapore on Thursday (July 31), dominating the 200m butterfly but falling agonisingly short of a new world record. The 18-year-old Olympic champion touched in 2:01.99, just 0.18 seconds shy of the 2009 mark of 2:01.81 set by China’s Liu Zige — the second-fastest swim in history. American Regan Smith took silver in 2:04.99, while Australia’s Elizabeth Dekkers claimed bronze in 2:06.12.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chinese prodigy Yu Zidi, just 12 years old, finished fourth with timing of 2:06.43. The victory keeps McIntosh on course to join Michael Phelps as only the second swimmer to win five individual titles at a single world championships. She has already won in the 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley.&nbsp;"My coach and I, our big goal was to break that world record and that was what we were training for," McIntosh was quoted saying. "To see that I missed it by that little -- overall really happy with the time and PB (personal best) but I did not reach my goal tonight." &nbsp;McIntosh’s next challenge is the 800m freestyle, where she will face legendary American Katie Ledecky, a four-time Olympic champion and world record holder. McIntosh, however, recently clocked the third-fastest time ever in the event, giving her plenty of confidence.&nbsp;Yu Zidi, meanwhile, continues to amaze. She also reached the final of the 200m individual medley, finishing fourth once again — missing a medal by just 0.06 seconds. A bronze would have made her the youngest world championships medallist since the competition began in 1973.&nbsp;In the men’s events, France’s Leon Marchand added another chapter to his glittering career, winning the 200m individual medley in 1:53.68 — the second-fastest time in history. American Shaine Casas bagged silver (1:54.30) and Hungary’s Hubert Kos took bronze (1:55.34). The victory came just a day after Marchand smashed the world record in the event during the semi-finals, clocking 1:52.69 to obliterate Ryan Lochte’s 2011 record of 1:54.00.&nbsp;Marchand, 23, returned to competition only in May after a post-Olympics break, having won four individual golds at the Paris Games last year. In Singapore, he is targeting only the medley events. "I'm just so happy to be at my highest level right now, competing in front of this pretty cool crowd," the 23-year-old was quoted saying in an interview.

World Aquatics Championships: McIntosh secures third gold, Marchand strikes in 200m individual medley

Canadian swimming star Summer McIntosh secured her third gold medal in the ongoing World Aquatics Championships, being held in Singapore on Thursday (July 31), dominating the 200m butterfly but falling agonisingly short of a new world record. The 18-year-old Olympic champion touched in 2:01.99, just 0.18 seconds shy of the 2009 mark of 2:01.81 set by China’s Liu Zige — the second-fastest swim in history. American Regan Smith took silver in 2:04.99, while Australia’s Elizabeth Dekkers claimed bronze in 2:06.12. Chinese prodigy Yu Zidi, just 12 years old, finished fourth with timing of 2:06.43. The victory keeps McIntosh on course to join Michael Phelps as only the second swimmer to win five individual titles at a single world championships. She has already won in the 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley. "My coach and I, our big goal was to break that world record and that was what we were training for," McIntosh was quoted saying. "To see that I missed it by that little -- overall really happy with the time and PB (personal best) but I did not reach my goal tonight." McIntosh’s next challenge is the 800m freestyle, where she will face legendary American Katie Ledecky, a four-time Olympic champion and world record holder. McIntosh, however, recently clocked the third-fastest time ever in the event, giving her plenty of confidence. Yu Zidi, meanwhile, continues to amaze. She also reached the final of the 200m individual medley, finishing fourth once again — missing a medal by just 0.06 seconds. A bronze would have made her the youngest world championships medallist since the competition began in 1973. In the men’s events, France’s Leon Marchand added another chapter to his glittering career, winning the 200m individual medley in 1:53.68 — the second-fastest time in history. American Shaine Casas bagged silver (1:54.30) and Hungary’s Hubert Kos took bronze (1:55.34). The victory came just a day after Marchand smashed the world record in the event during the semi-finals, clocking 1:52.69 to obliterate Ryan Lochte’s 2011 record of 1:54.00. Marchand, 23, returned to competition only in May after a post-Olympics break, having won four individual golds at the Paris Games last year. In Singapore, he is targeting only the medley events. "I'm just so happy to be at my highest level right now, competing in front of this pretty cool crowd," the 23-year-old was quoted saying in an interview.

McIntosh touched the wall in 2min 01.99sec, just failing to beat the world record mark of 2:01.81, set by China's Liu Zige, back in 2009

At just 12 years old, Yu Zidi is making waves in international swimming circuit. The Chinese sensation is competing in her first-ever World Aquatics Championships in Singapore — becoming the second-youngest competitor in the event’s history — and has already delivered a performance well beyond her years.&nbsp;In her debut race, the 200m individual medley, Yu finished fourth, missing out on a bronze medal by a razor-thin 0.06 seconds. Her time of 2:09.21 was more than a second faster than her previous best, and astonishingly, over nine seconds quicker than the U.S. girls’ national age-group record for 11-12-year-olds. She’s also faster than the boys’ record in that age bracket by three seconds.&nbsp;Now, the governing body of swimming on Wednesday (July 30) said it would "have a look" at its entry policy following Yu Zidi's appearance at the world championships. Chinese schoolgirl Yu was 0.06sec short of securing a medal on Monday in Singapore and may still make the podium, with two of her more favoured events still to come.&nbsp;The minimum age is 14 under World Aquatics regulations but younger competitors can qualify if -- as was the case with Yu -- they have met specific minimum standards. Brent Nowicki, its executive director, acknowledged they had been taken aback that someone so young as Yu had been sufficiently quick to qualify for the world championships.&nbsp;"Our 'A' standards are so paper-thin, they're so narrow that I don't think I ever, in my head, perceived that it was a possibility that a 12-year-old merited such a period," he said in Singapore. "I feel quite comfortable with where we are with our safeguarding strategy within our sport."&nbsp;But Nowicki conceded Yu might compel them to rethink. "She's terrific. I mean, there's a huge future there for her. Hopefully there might be some good things that might come out of this, and it might be terrific," he said. But he warned, “Obviously we have to ensure that that's what it is, right? We don't want to tip that balance and go the other way, and we have to be careful about that.” “We'll take a look and determine if we have to go further steps or if we're at a place we're okay with.”

As 12 year old Yu Zidi makes waves swimming governing body to look at age rules

At just 12 years old, Yu Zidi is making waves in international swimming circuit. The Chinese sensation is competing in her first-ever World Aquatics Championships in Singapore — becoming the second-youngest competitor in the event’s history — and has already delivered a performance well beyond her years. In her debut race, the 200m individual medley, Yu finished fourth, missing out on a bronze medal by a razor-thin 0.06 seconds. Her time of 2:09.21 was more than a second faster than her previous best, and astonishingly, over nine seconds quicker than the U.S. girls’ national age-group record for 11-12-year-olds. She’s also faster than the boys’ record in that age bracket by three seconds. Now, the governing body of swimming on Wednesday (July 30) said it would "have a look" at its entry policy following Yu Zidi's appearance at the world championships. Chinese schoolgirl Yu was 0.06sec short of securing a medal on Monday in Singapore and may still make the podium, with two of her more favoured events still to come. The minimum age is 14 under World Aquatics regulations but younger competitors can qualify if -- as was the case with Yu -- they have met specific minimum standards. Brent Nowicki, its executive director, acknowledged they had been taken aback that someone so young as Yu had been sufficiently quick to qualify for the world championships. "Our 'A' standards are so paper-thin, they're so narrow that I don't think I ever, in my head, perceived that it was a possibility that a 12-year-old merited such a period," he said in Singapore. "I feel quite comfortable with where we are with our safeguarding strategy within our sport." But Nowicki conceded Yu might compel them to rethink. "She's terrific. I mean, there's a huge future there for her. Hopefully there might be some good things that might come out of this, and it might be terrific," he said. But he warned, “Obviously we have to ensure that that's what it is, right? We don't want to tip that balance and go the other way, and we have to be careful about that.” “We'll take a look and determine if we have to go further steps or if we're at a place we're okay with.”

Under World Aquatics rules, the minimum age is 14 but younger swimmers can take part if they meet certain qualifying standards

As 12-year-old Yu Zidi makes waves, swimming governing body to 'look at age rules'

Katie Ledecky secured her 22nd world championship gold of her illustrious career on Tuesday (July 29), moving within four titles of Michael Phelps’s all-time record (26 world gold medals). The American great dominated the 1,500m freestyle in Singapore, clocking 15:26.44 — the fifth-fastest time in history — and winning her sixth world crown in the event.&nbsp;Ledecky, 28, was on world record pace for much of the race before easing off in the final stages. Italy’s Simona Quadarella (15:31.79) took silver, with Australia’s Lani Pallister (15:41.18) got bronze. “Growing up, it was inspiring to watch Michael Phelps and learn from the very best,” said Ledecky, a nine-time Olympic champion. “I’m happy with the time and happy with the swim.” She will next renew her rivalry with Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh in the 800m freestyle.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-yu-zidi-the-12-year-old-chinese-swimmer-making-waves-at-world-aquatics-championships-1753803372273">Who Is Yu Zidi? The 12‑Year‑old Chinese swimmer making waves at World Aquatics Championships</a><h2>Popovici battles doubts to reclaim 200m freestyle crown</h2>Romania’s David Popovici staged a late surge to beat American Luke Hobson in the men’s 200m freestyle final, winning in 1:43.53. Hobson clocked 1:43.84 for silver, with Japan’s 18-year-old Tatsuya Murasa (1:44.54) taking bronze. The 20-year-old revealed he almost withdrew before the meet, even looking up flights home. “It was a mental thing — the fear of seeing my real potential,” he admitted. “I’m really glad I didn’t quit.”<h2>McKeown shrugs off injury for backstroke gold</h2>Australia’s Kaylee McKeown proved unstoppable in the women’s 100m backstroke, winning in a championship record 57.16 seconds despite a recently dislocated shoulder. American Regan Smith finished just 0.19 seconds behind, with compatriot Katharine Berkoff claiming bronze. “It’s always nerve-wracking, especially after the Olympics,” said the two-time Olympic backstroke double champion.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Germany's Anna Elendt won the first world title of her career in the women's 100m breaststroke, coming home in 1:05.19. American Kate Douglass was second in 1:05.27, with China's Tang Qianting third in 1:05.64.

World Aquatics Cships Katie Ledecky wins sixth gold Elendt takes womens 100m breaststroke

Katie Ledecky secured her 22nd world championship gold of her illustrious career on Tuesday (July 29), moving within four titles of Michael Phelps’s all-time record (26 world gold medals). The American great dominated the 1,500m freestyle in Singapore, clocking 15:26.44 — the fifth-fastest time in history — and winning her sixth world crown in the event. Ledecky, 28, was on world record pace for much of the race before easing off in the final stages. Italy’s Simona Quadarella (15:31.79) took silver, with Australia’s Lani Pallister (15:41.18) got bronze. “Growing up, it was inspiring to watch Michael Phelps and learn from the very best,” said Ledecky, a nine-time Olympic champion. “I’m happy with the time and happy with the swim.” She will next renew her rivalry with Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh in the 800m freestyle. Also Read: Who Is Yu Zidi? The 12‑Year‑old Chinese swimmer making waves at World Aquatics Championships Popovici battles doubts to reclaim 200m freestyle crown Romania’s David Popovici staged a late surge to beat American Luke Hobson in the men’s 200m freestyle final, winning in 1:43.53. Hobson clocked 1:43.84 for silver, with Japan’s 18-year-old Tatsuya Murasa (1:44.54) taking bronze. The 20-year-old revealed he almost withdrew before the meet, even looking up flights home. “It was a mental thing — the fear of seeing my real potential,” he admitted. “I’m really glad I didn’t quit.” McKeown shrugs off injury for backstroke gold Australia’s Kaylee McKeown proved unstoppable in the women’s 100m backstroke, winning in a championship record 57.16 seconds despite a recently dislocated shoulder. American Regan Smith finished just 0.19 seconds behind, with compatriot Katharine Berkoff claiming bronze. “It’s always nerve-wracking, especially after the Olympics,” said the two-time Olympic backstroke double champion. Meanwhile, Germany's Anna Elendt won the first world title of her career in the women's 100m breaststroke, coming home in 1:05.19. American Kate Douglass was second in 1:05.27, with China's Tang Qianting third in 1:05.64.

Ledecky cruised to a dominant 1,500m freestyle gold, touching the wall in 15min 26.44sec, having threatened her own world record of 15:20.48

World Aquatics Championships: Katie Ledecky wins sixth gold, Elendt takes women's 100m breaststroke

At just 12 years old, Yu Zidi is already making waves in international swimming circuit. The Chinese sensation is competing in her first-ever World Aquatics Championships in Singapore — becoming the second-youngest competitor in the event’s history — and has already delivered a performance well beyond her years.&nbsp;In her debut race, the 200m individual medley, Yu finished fourth, missing out on a bronze medal by a razor-thin 0.06 seconds. Her time of 2:09.21 was more than a second faster than her previous best, and astonishingly, over nine seconds quicker than the U.S. girls’ national age-group record for 11-12-year-olds. She’s also faster than the boys’ record in that age bracket by three seconds.&nbsp;Yu’s swimming journey began at six when she met a coach during a family trip to a water park. Her rapid rise has been guided by Olympic medallist Li Bingjie — Yu’s idol and mentor — who she affectionately calls her “older sister.” Despite most World Championship swimmers needing to be at least 14, Yu qualified early by meeting the competition’s elite “A” standard.&nbsp;Last year, Yu narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics in the 400m individual medley, falling just over two seconds short. But at the 2024 Chinese Nationals, her 4:35.53 would have placed fourth in the Olympic final. In May, she shattered the 12-year-old world record in the 200m IM with a 2:10.63, prompting World Aquatics to hail her as a “sensation.”&nbsp;While the 200m IM is considered only her third-best event — behind the 200m butterfly and 400m IM — Yu’s fearless debut has made her a medal contender in the days ahead. “She’s phenomenally talented at such a young age,” American silver medallist Alex Walsh was quoted saying in an interview. “It’ll be exciting to see how she builds on this meet because her future is incredibly bright.”

Who Is Yu Zidi? The 12‑Year‑old Chinese swimmer making waves at World Aquatics Championships

At just 12 years old, Yu Zidi is already making waves in international swimming circuit. The Chinese sensation is competing in her first-ever World Aquatics Championships in Singapore — becoming the second-youngest competitor in the event’s history — and has already delivered a performance well beyond her years. In her debut race, the 200m individual medley, Yu finished fourth, missing out on a bronze medal by a razor-thin 0.06 seconds. Her time of 2:09.21 was more than a second faster than her previous best, and astonishingly, over nine seconds quicker than the U.S. girls’ national age-group record for 11-12-year-olds. She’s also faster than the boys’ record in that age bracket by three seconds. Yu’s swimming journey began at six when she met a coach during a family trip to a water park. Her rapid rise has been guided by Olympic medallist Li Bingjie — Yu’s idol and mentor — who she affectionately calls her “older sister.” Despite most World Championship swimmers needing to be at least 14, Yu qualified early by meeting the competition’s elite “A” standard. Last year, Yu narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics in the 400m individual medley, falling just over two seconds short. But at the 2024 Chinese Nationals, her 4:35.53 would have placed fourth in the Olympic final. In May, she shattered the 12-year-old world record in the 200m IM with a 2:10.63, prompting World Aquatics to hail her as a “sensation.” While the 200m IM is considered only her third-best event — behind the 200m butterfly and 400m IM — Yu’s fearless debut has made her a medal contender in the days ahead. “She’s phenomenally talented at such a young age,” American silver medallist Alex Walsh was quoted saying in an interview. “It’ll be exciting to see how she builds on this meet because her future is incredibly bright.”

The young sensation from China is the second youngest competitor in the history of the World Aquatics Championships

A transgender swimmer from the United States is taking legal action against World Aquatics in a bid to compete again. According to a report by The Telegraph late Thursday (Jan 25), Lia Thomas has not professionally swum since World Aquatics introduced new rules in 2022, which prohibited anyone who underwent any part of male puberty from the female category.

Thomas, 25, gained worldwide prominence by becoming the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college title. Thomas was assigned male at birth and started to question her gender identity towards the end of high school. In 2018, Thomas came out as a transgender and began transitioning a year later using hormone replacement therapy.&nbsp;

<h2>First at men's team, then at women's team</h2>

Thomas enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and graduated in 2022. During her time at the university, Thomas began competing in the men's team and then swam in the women's team as her hormone therapy was over.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rewind-2023-did-the-lgbtq-movement-cross-the-line-674625">Rewind 2023: Did the LGBTQ movement cross the line?</a>

The report by The Telegraph said that Thomas asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland to overturn rules brought in by World Aquatics. In 2022, she became the first openly transgender person to win the NCAA division title- a 500-yard freestyle event in Georgia.

<h2>Backlash over Thomas competing in women races</h2>

However, her victory sparked a major furore in the US as well as overseas over her taking part in women's races. Thomas had been ranked 65th over the same distance in the division’s male category and this led to protests from rival swimmers.

Riley Gaines, one such rival swimmer, had expressed concerns about Thomas being allowed to use women’s locker rooms during events, thereby exposing other competitors to her “male genitalia”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-champion-marie-patouillet-hopeful-for-more-lgbtqia-acceptance-in-cycling-637944">World champion Marie Patouillet hopeful for more LGBTQIA+ acceptance in cycling</a>

Gaines told Fox News last year that she had not been warned beforehand that she and others would be sharing a room with Thomas. "We did not give our consent; they did not ask for our consent. In that locker room, we turned around and there’s a 6ft 4in biological man dropping his pants and watching us undress, and we were exposed to male genitalia," Gaines added.

“Not even probably a year, two years ago, this would have been considered some form of sexual assault, voyeurism. But now, not even are they just allowing it to happen, it’s almost as if these large organisations are encouraging it to happen," she further said.

Three months after her NCAA win, World Aquatics introduced a rule change banning those to have gone through male puberty from women’s races under its jurisdiction and introducing a new ‘open’ category.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia's Supreme Court bans LGBTQ movement, asks govt to designate gays as extremists

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The Telegraph report on Thursday also said that Thomas has hired a top Canadian law firm to fight World Aquatics and be back to swimming.&nbsp;

She first went to the court in Sept last year, when World Aquatics applied to have the case thrown out on the basis that she was not currently impacted by its rules because she had not submitted herself to the jurisdiction of USA Swimming, its recognised member association, the report said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A transgender swimmer from the United States is taking legal action against World Aquatics in a bid to compete again. According to a report by The Telegraph late Thursday (Jan 25), Lia Thomas has not professionally swum since World Aquatics introduced new rules in 2022, which prohibited anyone who underwent any part of male puberty from the female category.

A transgender swimmer from the United States is taking legal action against World Aquatics in a bid to compete again. According to a report by The Telegraph late Thursday (Jan 25), Lia Thomas has not professionally swum since World Aquatics introduced new rules in 2022, which prohibited anyone who underwent any part of male puberty from the female category. Thomas, 25, gained worldwide prominence by becoming the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college title. Thomas was assigned male at birth and started to question her gender identity towards the end of high school. In 2018, Thomas came out as a transgender and began transitioning a year later using hormone replacement therapy. First at men's team, then at women's team Thomas enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and graduated in 2022. During her time at the university, Thomas began competing in the men's team and then swam in the women's team as her hormone therapy was over. Also read | Rewind 2023: Did the LGBTQ movement cross the line? The report by The Telegraph said that Thomas asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland to overturn rules brought in by World Aquatics. In 2022, she became the first openly transgender person to win the NCAA division title- a 500-yard freestyle event in Georgia. Backlash over Thomas competing in women races However, her victory sparked a major furore in the US as well as overseas over her taking part in women's races. Thomas had been ranked 65th over the same distance in the division’s male category and this led to protests from rival swimmers. Riley Gaines, one such rival swimmer, had expressed concerns about Thomas being allowed to use women’s locker rooms during events, thereby exposing other competitors to her “male genitalia”. Also read | World champion Marie Patouillet hopeful for more LGBTQIA+ acceptance in cycling Gaines told Fox News last year that she had not been warned beforehand that she and others would be sharing a room with Thomas. "We did not give our consent; they did not ask for our consent. In that locker room, we turned around and there’s a 6ft 4in biological man dropping his pants and watching us undress, and we were exposed to male genitalia," Gaines added. “Not even probably a year, two years ago, this would have been considered some form of sexual assault, voyeurism. But now, not even are they just allowing it to happen, it’s almost as if these large organisations are encouraging it to happen," she further said. Three months after her NCAA win, World Aquatics introduced a rule change banning those to have gone through male puberty from women’s races under its jurisdiction and introducing a new ‘open’ category. Also watch | Russia's Supreme Court bans LGBTQ movement, asks govt to designate gays as extremists × The Telegraph report on Thursday also said that Thomas has hired a top Canadian law firm to fight World Aquatics and be back to swimming. She first went to the court in Sept last year, when World Aquatics applied to have the case thrown out on the basis that she was not currently impacted by its rules because she had not submitted herself to the jurisdiction of USA Swimming, its recognised member association, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

American transgender swimmer taking legal action against World Aquatics to compete again: Report

China won back-to-back gold medals on the second day of swimming action at the World Aquatics Championships as Qin Haiyang roared to victory in the men's 100 metres breaststroke while Zhang Yufei took the women's 100m butterfly title on Monday. Qin set the second-fastest time in history behind Britain's world record holder Adam Peaty, finishing in 57.69 seconds with a three-way tie for the silver as Nicolo Martinenghi, Arno Kamminga and Nic Fink were all locked on 58.72 seconds.

The new champion also shaved 0.13 seconds off his previous Asian record of 57.82 seconds which was set in the semi-finals. Zhang then came up with another dominating display to emerge triumphant in her event with a time of 56.12 seconds, finishing ahead of Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Margaret Mac Neil of Canada and 2022 champion Torri Huske of the United States. "This is my first gold medal at the world championships," said double Olympic champion Zhang, who has seven bronze medals at the worlds. "This is my happy time. I just feel wonderful and amazing."

The absence of defending champion Caeleb Dressel from the men's 50m butterfly event opened the door for Thomas Ceccon who touched the wall in 22.68 seconds to win Italy's first gold of the meet to loud cheers at a packed Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall. Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Dressel, who also claimed gold in the 2019 Gwangju worlds, failed to qualify for Fukuoka after disappointing displays at the U.S. national championships.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-womens-wc-italys-16-year-old-little-messi-makes-heads-turn-in-debut-against-argentina-watch-618931">FIFA Women's WC: Italy's 16-year-old 'little Messi' makes heads turn in debut against Argentina - WATCH</a>

Diogo Matos Ribeiro of Portugal was 0.12 seconds behind Ceccon to capture the silver medal while it was a disappointing outing for Frenchman Maxime Grousset, who was 0.14 seconds off the pace and had to settle for bronze. Grousset watched compatriot Leon Marchand open France's account on Sunday by shattering American great Michael Phelps' 15-year 400m individual medley record en route to gold and had set the pace in the semi-finals with a new national mark.

Alex Walsh will look to defend her 200m individual medley title later on Monday and could face stiff competition from China's Yu Yiting, who was only 0.77 seconds behind the American's leading time in the semi-finals. Australia's triple Olympic gold medallist Kaylee McKeown was one of three competitors disqualified from the semi-finals after the 22-year-old was adjudged to have committed a violation as she switched from backstroke to breaststroke.

Britain's Katie Shanahan and Italy's Sara Franceschi also missed out on the final.

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China won back-to-back gold medals on the second day of swimming action at the World Aquatics Championships as Qin Haiyang roared to victory in the men's 100 metres breaststroke while Zhang Yufei took the women's 100m butterfly title on Monday.

China won back-to-back gold medals on the second day of swimming action at the World Aquatics Championships as Qin Haiyang roared to victory in the men's 100 metres breaststroke while Zhang Yufei took the women's 100m butterfly title on Monday. Qin set the second-fastest time in history behind Britain's world record holder Adam Peaty, finishing in 57.69 seconds with a three-way tie for the silver as Nicolo Martinenghi, Arno Kamminga and Nic Fink were all locked on 58.72 seconds. The new champion also shaved 0.13 seconds off his previous Asian record of 57.82 seconds which was set in the semi-finals. Zhang then came up with another dominating display to emerge triumphant in her event with a time of 56.12 seconds, finishing ahead of Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Margaret Mac Neil of Canada and 2022 champion Torri Huske of the United States. "This is my first gold medal at the world championships," said double Olympic champion Zhang, who has seven bronze medals at the worlds. "This is my happy time. I just feel wonderful and amazing." The absence of defending champion Caeleb Dressel from the men's 50m butterfly event opened the door for Thomas Ceccon who touched the wall in 22.68 seconds to win Italy's first gold of the meet to loud cheers at a packed Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall. Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Dressel, who also claimed gold in the 2019 Gwangju worlds, failed to qualify for Fukuoka after disappointing displays at the U.S. national championships. Also read: FIFA Women's WC: Italy's 16-year-old 'little Messi' makes heads turn in debut against Argentina - WATCH Diogo Matos Ribeiro of Portugal was 0.12 seconds behind Ceccon to capture the silver medal while it was a disappointing outing for Frenchman Maxime Grousset, who was 0.14 seconds off the pace and had to settle for bronze. Grousset watched compatriot Leon Marchand open France's account on Sunday by shattering American great Michael Phelps' 15-year 400m individual medley record en route to gold and had set the pace in the semi-finals with a new national mark. Alex Walsh will look to defend her 200m individual medley title later on Monday and could face stiff competition from China's Yu Yiting, who was only 0.77 seconds behind the American's leading time in the semi-finals. Australia's triple Olympic gold medallist Kaylee McKeown was one of three competitors disqualified from the semi-finals after the 22-year-old was adjudged to have committed a violation as she switched from backstroke to breaststroke. Britain's Katie Shanahan and Italy's Sara Franceschi also missed out on the final. 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.

World Aquatics Championships: Double delight for China as Qin Haiyang, Zhang Yufei strike gold

Caeleb Dressel of the United States became the first swimmer to win three gold medals in a single evening at the world championships after producing a trio of storming performances on Saturday.

Dressel&#39;s sprint heroics were compiled in just under two hours, interspersed by Sarah Sjostrom&#39;s world record in the women&#39;s 50 metres freestyle on another stunning night&#39;s racing at the Duna Arena.

With the men&#39;s 4x100m medley to come, he needs one more title to draw level with Michael Phelps&#39;s record of seven golds at the 2007 championships.

&quot;It was physically challenging, mentally straining with lots of emotional energy,&quot; Dressel said of his night&#39;s work. &quot;You have to enjoy the moment and refocus very quickly.&quot;

Dressel began his historic evening in the men&#39;s 50m freestyle, posting a world textile best time of 21.15 seconds. Brazil&#39;s Bruno Fratus took silver, 0.12 seconds back, with Ben Proud of Britain snatching bronze.

&quot;I don&#39;t consider myself a talented guy, but I&#39;m sure a hard worker,&quot; said Fratus.

The 20-year-old Dressel then had 33 minutes to ready himself for the men&#39;s 100m butterfly.

He never trailed and delivered two lengths of sizzling pace in 49.86 seconds. Edging ever closer to Phelps&#39;s 2009 world record, he finished 0.04 seconds shy of the eight-year-old mark.

&quot;I honestly didn&#39;t expect to be that close,&quot; Dressel told reporters.

Dressel&#39;s speed, coupled with the sheer noise inside the arena, clearly lifted Kristof Milak of Hungary who posted a world junior record time for silver.

Milak touched 0.76 seconds behind Dressel, while Singapore&#39;s Olympic champion Joseph Schooling shared bronze with James Guy of Britain.

After just over an hour to recover, Dressel then led the US&nbsp;quartet out in a world-record rout in the 4x100 metres mixed freestyle relay.

The top-ranked Sjostrom had cut a disconsolate figure after missing out on 100m freestyle gold on Friday but she returned brilliantly to win the 50m butterfly final, recording the fastest ever indoor time of 24.60 seconds and touching 0.17 seconds outside of the world record she set at an outdoor event in Sweden three years ago.

Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands took silver. She held off Farida Osman by 0.01 seconds, the Egyptian setting an African record for bronze.

Sjostrom then went one better in the 50m freestyle semi-finals as she shaved 0.06 seconds off Britta Steffen&#39;s 2009 world-record time of 23.73 seconds.

Dressel&#39;s exploits put Katie Ledecky&#39;s unerring speed in the shade as the American routinely swam to women&#39;s 800m freestyle gold in eight minutes 12.68 seconds.

Australia&#39;s quiet world championship was overturned by defending champion Emily Seebohm in the women&#39;s 200m backstroke.

Hopes had rested heavily on Seebohm with Australia on the cusp of finishing without a world title for the first time in 31 years.

Amid a cacophony of noise, Seebohm shut out the pressure to clock two minutes 05.68 seconds, an Oceanic record, as her final arm stretch was enough to hold off local hope Katinka Hosszu by 0.17 seconds. Kathleen Baker of the US&nbsp;took bronze.

To end the night, the US&nbsp;freestyle team&#39;s victory never looked in doubt.

Dressel&#39;s 47.22 seconds set the tone, before Nathan Adrian, Mallory Comerford and Simone Manuel, in the anchor leg, cruised home in three minutes 19.60 seconds.

The defending champions finished more than three seconds ahead of their 2015 mark. The Netherlands won silver, with Canada taking bronze.

With the men's 4x100m medley to come, he needs one more title to draw level with Michael Phelps's record of seven golds at the 2007 championships

Caeleb Dressel of the United States became the first swimmer to win three gold medals in a single evening at the world championships after producing a trio of storming performances on Saturday. Dressel's sprint heroics were compiled in just under two hours, interspersed by Sarah Sjostrom's world record in the women's 50 metres freestyle on another stunning night's racing at the Duna Arena. With the men's 4x100m medley to come, he needs one more title to draw level with Michael Phelps's record of seven golds at the 2007 championships. "It was physically challenging, mentally straining with lots of emotional energy," Dressel said of his night's work. "You have to enjoy the moment and refocus very quickly." Dressel began his historic evening in the men's 50m freestyle, posting a world textile best time of 21.15 seconds. Brazil's Bruno Fratus took silver, 0.12 seconds back, with Ben Proud of Britain snatching bronze. "I don't consider myself a talented guy, but I'm sure a hard worker," said Fratus. The 20-year-old Dressel then had 33 minutes to ready himself for the men's 100m butterfly. He never trailed and delivered two lengths of sizzling pace in 49.86 seconds. Edging ever closer to Phelps's 2009 world record, he finished 0.04 seconds shy of the eight-year-old mark. "I honestly didn't expect to be that close," Dressel told reporters. Dressel's speed, coupled with the sheer noise inside the arena, clearly lifted Kristof Milak of Hungary who posted a world junior record time for silver. Milak touched 0.76 seconds behind Dressel, while Singapore's Olympic champion Joseph Schooling shared bronze with James Guy of Britain. After just over an hour to recover, Dressel then led the US quartet out in a world-record rout in the 4x100 metres mixed freestyle relay. The top-ranked Sjostrom had cut a disconsolate figure after missing out on 100m freestyle gold on Friday but she returned brilliantly to win the 50m butterfly final, recording the fastest ever indoor time of 24.60 seconds and touching 0.17 seconds outside of the world record she set at an outdoor event in Sweden three years ago. Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands took silver. She held off Farida Osman by 0.01 seconds, the Egyptian setting an African record for bronze. Sjostrom then went one better in the 50m freestyle semi-finals as she shaved 0.06 seconds off Britta Steffen's 2009 world-record time of 23.73 seconds. Dressel's exploits put Katie Ledecky's unerring speed in the shade as the American routinely swam to women's 800m freestyle gold in eight minutes 12.68 seconds. Australia's quiet world championship was overturned by defending champion Emily Seebohm in the women's 200m backstroke. Hopes had rested heavily on Seebohm with Australia on the cusp of finishing without a world title for the first time in 31 years. Amid a cacophony of noise, Seebohm shut out the pressure to clock two minutes 05.68 seconds, an Oceanic record, as her final arm stretch was enough to hold off local hope Katinka Hosszu by 0.17 seconds. Kathleen Baker of the US took bronze. To end the night, the US freestyle team's victory never looked in doubt. Dressel's 47.22 seconds set the tone, before Nathan Adrian, Mallory Comerford and Simone Manuel, in the anchor leg, cruised home in three minutes 19.60 seconds. The defending champions finished more than three seconds ahead of their 2015 mark. The Netherlands won silver, with Canada taking bronze.

World Aquatics Championships: US swimmer Dressel makes history with three world golds in one night

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