As the poolside lights dimmed on the final day of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, fans witnessed a spectacular display of speed and stamina. The highlight was the USA women's 4Ă—100-meter medley relay team shattering their own world record with a blazing 3:49.34, cementing their dominance on the global stage.
Australia touched second at 3:52.67, while the Chinese mainland quartet of Peng Xuwei, Tang Qianting, Zhang Yufei, and Cheng Yujie clinched bronze in 3:54.77, contributing to a final medal tally of two golds, six silvers, and six bronzes for the Chinese mainland. Tang, fresh off her silver in the women's 100-meter breaststroke at the 2024 Paris Olympics and reigning world champion, added a 50-meter breaststroke silver in 30.03—just behind Lithuania's Ruta Meilutyte, who notched her fourth straight world title in 29.55. Tang reflected, 'This silver was within my expectations. Ruta is a top-class athlete, and there's a lot I can learn from her.'
The pool also saw thrilling sprint action. In the women's 50-meter freestyle, Australia's Meg Harris touched gold in 24.02, with Wu Qingfeng of the Chinese mainland grabbing silver in 24.26 and teammate Cheng Yujie taking bronze in 24.28. Meanwhile, Canada's 18-year-old phenom Summer McIntosh capped a breakout meet with her fourth gold in the women's 400-meter individual medley, clocking 4:25.78—a new World Championships record—after dominating the 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley, and 400-meter freestyle, plus a bronze in the 800-meter freestyle.
On the men's side, France's Leon Marchand added a second gold by winning the 400-meter individual medley in 4:04.73, following his world-record swim in the 200-meter individual medley. Tunisia's Ahmed Jaouadi continued his dominance in distance freestyle, topping the 1500-meter event in 14:34.41, while neutral athlete Kliment Kolesnikov powered to victory in the men's 50-meter backstroke (23.68). The Neutral Athletes B squad also set a meet record in the men's 4Ă—100-meter medley relay at 3:26.93, capping off an action-packed finale.
From record-breaking relays to rising talents, Singapore delivered a fitting finale to a championship that continues to push the boundaries of aquatic sport. As young global fans, entrepreneurs, and changemakers seek inspiration beyond borders, these performances underscore the unifying power of sport and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
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World Aquatics Championships conclude with USA breaking world record
cgtn.com
