The World Aquatics Championships 2023 are in full swing, marked by compelling victories and intense competitions. German swimmers Florian Wellbrock and Leonie Beck dominated the 5km marathon swim, while a fierce contest is brewing in the women’s 200m breaststroke.
German Duo Dominates 5km Marathon Swim
A second gold medal for Florian Wellbrock and Leonie Beck has added to Germany’s medal count at the Fukuoka-based championships. Beck executed a stellar performance, overcoming her sixth-place position with less than a kilometer remaining to capture gold, even as van Rouwendaal and Brazil’s Ana Marcela Cunha were leading the pack.
Despite her previous doubts, Beck was overjoyed with her victory, saying, “I didn’t believe I could win a medal in the 5km after the hard 10km race… I’m really happy that I could win the 5km. I never would have thought of it.”
Wellbrock similarly mirrored his 10km strategy, maintaining a lead from the outset as the sun blazed over the waters. Italian swimmers Gregorio Paltrinieri and Domenico Acerenza trailed him closely but were unable to snatch the lead. Wellbrock attributed his win to his initial burst of speed, remarking, “Today I started really fast… I tried to push directly after the start and I think it was the key for the win today.”
Heated Competition Expected in Women’s 200m Breaststroke
The women’s 200m breaststroke is bracing for an intense battle. Lilly King, the defending champion, has her sights set on retaining her title. The 26-year-old American swimmer has shown steady progress in the event, clocking her second-fastest time ever at the U.S. Trials a few weeks ago. Yet, she is set to face stiff competition from South African reigning Olympic champion, Tatjana Schoenmaker, who is returning after skipping last year’s championships.
Other promising contenders include 21-year-old Kate Douglass from the United States, who secured bronze last summer in Budapest, and Dutch swimmer Tes Schouten, who joined the sub-2:22 club this season at just 22 years old. Schouten’s marked improvement has stirred curiosity about her potential to spring a surprise against the more experienced swimmers.
The event also marks a promising comeback for China’s Ye Shiwen, who achieved a personal best at the Chinese Nationals in May. Other notable contenders include Japanese swimmer Runa Imai and Danish standout Thea Blomsterberg, among others.
Veterans and Upcoming Stars to Watch
While the World Championships serve as a platform for swimming veterans to showcase their skill, they also provide a stage for emerging talent. While defending champion Lilly King seeks to maintain her reign, she will be challenged by the likes of Schoenmaker, Douglass, and Schouten, each eager to leave their mark.
Yet, the absence of Russia’s fastest women’s 200m breaststroker, Evgeniia Chikunova, and reigning Worlds silver medalist Jenna Strauch of Australia, due to ongoing bans and injury respectively, adds an extra layer of suspense to this year’s competition. The outcomes of the events at the World Aquatics Championships 2023 are indeed eagerly awaited.
