U.S. women's medley relay, in final race of worlds, sets record to win gold-medal battle
The U.S. women's 4×100-meter medley relay team on Sunday let out all the frustration from a meet hampered by a stomach illness that had spread throughout the team, setting a world record to beat the Australians and clinch the gold-medal title in the final race of the swimming program at the World Aquatics Championships.
Advertisement
The U.S. and Australia entered the race in Singapore tied with eight gold medals each, and the two countries were the top qualifiers for the final. But the Americans rolled to a win in 3:49.34, more than three seconds ahead of Australia's 3:52.67. China took bronze in 3:54.77.
American Regan Smith got it off to a promising start, edging her rival Kaylee McKeown to the wall in the backstroke leg to give the U.S. an unexpected edge after the first 100 meters.
'It was really, really imporant,' Smith said on Peacock of the fast start against McKeown, who has thwarted her attempts at individual backstroke gold many times over the years. 'I love having the privilege of leading off this relay. … It's always a big deal to me to get us off to a really great start.'
The lineup behind Smith had the U.S. in great position, and after Smith's strong run, it was no contest.
Breaststroke star Kate Douglass — the 200-meter gold medalist at these worlds — dominated in the second leg, building a full body-length lead and keeping the U.S. on world-record pace. Next was the butterfly and Gretchen Walsh — the 100-meter gold medalist this week — who kept expanding the lead.
Torri Huske, Olympic silver medalist in the 100-meter freestyle, handled the freestyle leg, when the result was all but certain, and brought the U.S. home just ahead of the previous world record, which the Americans also set.
The win gave the U.S. nine gold medals and 29 overall, both tops for the event. Australia ended in second in both categories, with eight golds and 20 medals total.
The Americans were impacted this week by a stomach illness that they contracted during a recent training camp in Thailand. Several swimmers withdrew from signature events or significantly underperformed their best times throughout the week. Walsh and Huske were among those. In the end, it was a team event that put a satisfying cap on the week for the Americans.
'I feel like the relays bring out the best in people,' Walsh said.
(Photo of, from left, Kate Douglass, Regan Smith, Gretchen Walsh and Torri Huske: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Rory Sloane responds amid Izak Rankine suspension storm
Former Crows captain speaks out amid ugly AFL situation. Source: Channel 9 Video transcript Yeah, I mean that's obviously devastating news for the footy club. Um, it's probably not surprising though, I think the general feel from the club since they found out was this was always going to be the case, um. The only choice they have is to, and Hurty, you, you'd understand as well as a coach, the only choice you have in these situations is to, um, accept it and move on, and that's what they'll do. They are squads win finals, squads, I mean, you think of Bob Murphy missed for the Bulldogs, you think Andrew Gaff missed for West Coast, a couple of big names. They still went on to win flags, and the whole mentality of that footy club is squad wins finals, and that's what they'll be humming.
CBS News
8 minutes ago
- CBS News
Tyson Bagent emotional about his new $10 million deal with Bears
You never truly know the value of your backup quarterback until he steps on for the starter. Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has proved his worth — especially with new head coach Ben Johnson. Bagent earned a reported $10 million two-year deal from the Bears, in a significant raise. It was an emotional day for Bagent as the undrafted free agent out of the Division II Shepherd University in West Viriginia signed a two-year extension that means life-changing money for him and his family. "A lot of people don't know this, but you know, my dad — he's my right-hand man, and he didn't have running water until he was high school. So there are definitely a lot of things and people that I think I can certainly help with this gift I've been blessed with," Bagent said. "It's certainly a weight off my shoulders and my family's shoulders, and it definitely means a lot" Bagent has carried himself with a confidence since he arrived at Halas Hall, saying at the beginning he was mostly faking it until he made it. He still believes he will make it as a starting quarterback — something he thought about before signing the deal. "I think that's pretty much the only reason why I didn't just sign right then and there, you know, a week or so ago," Bagent said. "You know, being around this staff — I think that has just been the biggest part in the decision besides just how much I love the city of Chicago." When asked about any potential luxury purchases now that he has this new contract, Bagent said he has a baby girl on the way, so he is not trying to buy anything too crazy right now.
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'Up for the taking': Collingwood could lose premiership star to rival AFL club
Leading AFL reporter Cal Twomey believes Jamie Elliott will remain at Collingwood, but the Pies could lose Brody Mihocek if a rival club makes him a better offer. Collingwood have the oldest roster in the AFL, with the average age of their squad almost two years older than the next highest. They recently re-signed Scott Pendlebury and extended the contract of Darcy Cameron, but are facing some tricky calls on some other ageing veterans. There's been suggestions Jeremy Howe could leave, while the futures of Elliott and Mihocek are also under a cloud. Speaking on SEN radio on Thursday, Twomey of said he thinks Elliott will likely stay. The 33-year-old has reportedly been drawing interest from the Gold Coast Suns, and is yet to accept an offer from the Magpies. 'I'm interested in what they do,' Twomey said. 'Elliott's got the two-year offer there (from Collingwood), and there's still no movement there at all. 'He has got a bit of a pull to Queensland, which we've known about previously as well. So, there's still a watch there. I think the most likely scenario would be that Elliott stays, particularly given his form this year.' Brody Mihocek 'up for the taking' from a rival AFL club Elliott and Mihocek are the Pies' two leading goal-kickers, and were both part of the premiership team in 2023. Elliott has 50 goals from 22 games so far in 2025, while Mihocek has 35 goals in 19 games. Mihocek is also set to turn 33 this year, and there's reports he's only been offered a one-year extension. Twomey believes the goal-kicker could be very gettable if a rival club trumps the Pies' offer. 'Mihocek I think is up for the taking if someone comes with a longer offer,' Twomey said. 'His manager has been overseas in recent weeks, so that's probably stopped that one in its tracks in recent times. 'Obviously, they're in the chase for Jack Silvagni as well as a free agent. So, they're juggling a few things after managing to get the Darcy Cameron deal done recently too.' As Twomey stated, Collingwood are trying to sign Silvagni from Carlton. However the Western Bulldogs are believed to be closing the gap after the Pies were initially believed to be the front-runners. Will Hoskin-Elliott announces retirement Elsewhere at Collingwood, fellow premiership player Will Hoskin-Elliott announced on Wednesday he'll retire at the end of the AFL season. The 31-year-old, who started his career as an inaugural GWS player, was a key member of the Magpies' flag triumph in 2023. However he was dropped for the loss against Adelaide last week, and faces a fight to win his spot back for the upcoming finals. Hoskin-Elliott has played 242 career games and told teammates and staff of his decision to hang up his boots on Wednesday. "I'm proud and honoured to call myself a Collingwood player and I have loved my time in the black and white," Hoskin-Elliott said. "I leave with incredible memories, lifelong friendships and I can't wait to see what the rest of this season holds for us. "Running out in the black and white, alongside my teammates, with the Magpie Army behind us, is so special. The feeling of hearing 'Collingwood' echo around the MCG, knowing we have such incredible fans, is what makes me so proud to play for Collingwood." RELATED: AFL grants Crows' request on Izak Rankine as Pies coach speaks Craig McRae's sad confession about Bobby Hill amid AFL absence Kamdyn McIntosh set to depart Richmond Another premiership player in Richmond winger Kamdyn McIntosh has bid an emotional farewell to the Tigers after being told his contract won't be renewed. The two-time premiership winner has played every game so far this season, and Saturday's clash with Geelong at the MCG will take his career tally to 212 matches. The 31-year-old hasn't been offered a new contract by the rebuilding Tigers, and could look to continue his career elsewhere. "I have had some incredible highs and some real lows during my time here," McIntosh said. "The 2017 grand final, it is on par with one of the greatest achievements of my life. To see what it meant to all the fans, my family, my friends and to know that all the hard work that the playing group had put in had gotten us there. "To get the ultimate success, you have to work incredibly hard, no doubt about it. Richmond has changed my life. I have grown up here. This club has become a family to me. (It) gave me a home away from home." with AAP
