Australia’s James Magnussen claimed revenge on Olympic champion Nathan Adrian, while Missy Franklin struck gold for the fourth time at the swimming world championships in Barcelona on Thursday.
Magnussen retained his 100m world freestyle title, with US duo James Feigen and Adrian taking silver and bronze respectively.
The heavily fancied Magnussen missed out on gold in London last year by just one hundredth of a second and his preparation was later questioned after he admitted to taking sleeping pills during the Games to help him relax.
Photo: Reuters
“I’ve put a lot behind me in the past six to 12 months and this is probably one of my proudest moments, given what I and my support team have overcome to get me here,” he said.
The man known as “The Missile” said the extra support of his teammates, in stark contrast to what he experienced in London, was an extra help.
“The Australia swim team, both swimmers and staff, really helped me through the past few days. Last year I struggled and I struggled alone with my coach. We felt a bit isolated, whereas this year everyone was right behind us. I was representing a team I was proud to represent,” Magnussen said.
Photo: AFP
It was a good night all round for Australia, as Cate Campbell secured her place in the final of yesterday’s much anticipated 100m women’s freestyle.
Australia also took silver in the 4x200m women’s freestyle behind a star-studded US side.
The US line-up included Katie Ledecky and Franklin, who collected their third and fourth golds of the championships so far, and Franklin insisted that despite her frantic seven-event schedule she does have time to enjoy the moment every time she stands atop the podium to sing the national anthem.
“Being up there and singing your anthem completely out of key at the top of your lungs is when you know the hard work has paid off,” she said, after another successful evening that also saw her comfortably advance into the 100m freestyle final.
There was more US success as Ryan Lochte claimed his first gold of the meet and a 13th world championship gold of his career in the 200m individual medley, as he led home 18-year-old Japanese sensation Kosuke Hagino and Brazil’s Thiago Pereira.
Victory meant Lochte has now matched Michael Phelps’ record of winning three consecutive world championship titles in the event, but he insists he does not feel the pressure of having to fill the retired Phelps’ shoes.
“I don’t know if I could ever replace Michael. What he’s done for the sport is unheard of, he is one of the greatest swimmers ever. I’m just trying to do my part and help team USA as much as possible,” Lochte said.
China secured two gold medals in the women’s 200m butterfly and 50m backstroke, through Liu Zige and Zhao Jing respectively.
Zhao was followed home by 17-year-old compatriot Fu Yuanhui, whilst Japan’s elder stateswoman Aya Terakawa picked up her second bronze of the championship.
Spain’s Mireia Belmonte Garcia and Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu also claimed their second medals in the 200m butterfly, but were powerless to stop Liu retaining the title she won on home soil in Shanghai two years ago.
The performance of the night came from Dane Rikke Moller Pedersen in the women’s 200m breaststroke semi-finals, as she set a new world record time of 2 minutes, 19.11 seconds.
“I am incredibly happy, excited and looking forward to the final now,” a delighted Pedersen said.
In the men’s 200m breaststroke semi-finals Olympic champion Daniel Gyurta posted the fastest time, with the British duo of Andrew Willis and Olympic silver medalist Michael Jamieson making the final.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely