2025 WORLD AQUATICS SWIMMING WORLD CUP – Toronto
- October 23-25, 2025
- Toronto, Canada
- SCM (25 meters)
- Meet Central
- Psych Sheets
- Live Results
- Recaps
Day two of the final stop of the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup brought the heat, with multiple national records and a World Record falling in Toronto, Canada.
- If you missed the action, check out our live recap of the session.
After the dust settled, several of the winners winners took to the mic to discuss their races, mindset, and excitement about competing against the world’s best.
All quote excerpts are courtesy of World Aquatics.Â
WOMEN’S 400M IM GOLD – Ellen Walshe (IRL), 4:22.97
Reflecting on her strategy, Walshe explained, “I just tried to use the momentum from last week and I’m hurting from yesterday’s 200 fly. I knew I was going to have to take it out a bit stronger and try to stay ahead of the pack and then fight the last hundred I guess.”
“I guess it’s one of my skills that I have and I need to use it when I’m hurting,” she added, “I just go to it at the end of the 400 and hopefully I can stay ahead.”
When asked about Ireland’s swimming success, Walshe praised the strength of her compatriots, saying, “We have so many good athletes coming up and so many athletes at the top at the moment. I think we all just thrive off each other. We’re just enjoying the moment. Each of us is taking the opportunity to put Ireland on the board.”
MEN’S 1500M FREESTYLE GOLD – Samuel Short (AUS), 14:35.33
Reflecting on the grueling race, Short admitted, “It was pretty, pretty hard. (It has been) a big three weeks, I just tried to do that as aerobically as possible, like energy wise. Probably couldn’t swim it how I wanted to. I love just going out hard and doing it that way, but had to change my tactic up. Thank God I didn’t have to sprint finish the end for the win. I probably could’ve if I had to.”
When asked about the importance of racing in the US and Canada across different time zones, Short noted, “I’m 22. I’ve gotta get used to the travel and time zones and all sorts of stuff. Trying to gain that experience so it will be much better for it next year.”
“I feel like you (I) can always go that extra gear when someone’s right there. You can always push yourself a little bit more,” he added, “To be honest, I was so flat this morning coming into this, thank God I didn’t have to do it (swim it in prelims) this morning. I could do it tonight. But, it’s great training, just pushing myself.”
Short said he’s ready to get back to training, saying, “Oh, physically I’m great. I’m pretty keen to go back to a big training block at home. Fortunately enough (my teammate Brendon Smith (AUS) came third behind me, I’m doing a training camp with him leading into Australia versus World and the State Championships the end of the year. So physically great, health wise (I am) Great. (I am) So ready to launch into next season.”
MEN’S 50M BACKSTROKE GOLD – Hubert Kos (HUN), 22.67
Analyzing his performance, Kos said, “I’m going to have to watch it back, but I think maybe I could have gone a little bit faster in the first 25. My start was way better than last week, though. Just the second underwater is where I can win these races. I’m still not as strong as I need to be to excel at those, but we’re getting close, so it’s fun to see.”
When asked what his coach, Bob Bowman, will say about his race, Kos stated, “Well, he’ll find something to improve, which is what it’s all about. That’s why he’s my coach. That’s why we keep getting better and better each time. I think I’ve been having a little bit of trouble with the dives in the first breakout, so I’ll have to look back at the race and I’ll have to discuss with him, but I hope he’ll be happy.”
Asked if he ever thought he’d be a champion in a 50 backstroke with his distance background, Kos admitted, “Honestly, never and now I’m a crown champion, so that’s kind of crazy to think about. Obviously, Kliment Kolesnikov isn’t here, a lot of the good fast 50 swimmers aren’t here, so I’ve got to give them credit. I’ve had a little bit of an easier run, and that’s sort of the part of swimming. I’m really happy with it, even though they aren’t here.”
Kos emphasized the importance of his underwaters, saying, “That’s why my 200 backstroke keeps improving, because it’s really a great skill to have. Obviously for NCAAs, because it basically means that you swim underwater for 70 per cent of the whole race, but yeah, I think it carries into long course as well. Like, I’ve been having some pretty good underwaters there too, like especially my two back in Singapore this year. I think I basically won the two back with that last underwater, because Peter was really coming home hard. But yeah, honestly, it’s a great skill to have, and I’m happy to keep working on it with Bob.”
WOMEN’S 200M FREESTYLE GOLD – Mollie O’Callaghan (AUS), 1:49.36
Reflecting on her world record performance, O’Callaghan said, “If you set your mind to it, you can achieve it. And if you put the hard work in it and have a great support team behind you, anything’s possible. Like I think I have to give it all to the people behind me, my physio, to my coach, Dean, to everyone who’s done a little nitty gritty for me to perform on this day.”
“They push me to the extraordinary. So I think, use the people behind you and use that support and, you know, give back to them,” she added.
O’Callaghan admitted she was nervous heading into the race, saying, “I kind of was like, I didn’t know. I was very nervous. Um, I think that’s a lot of swimmers. Like after last weekend I wanted to try and hit it again. I said before I wanted to see if I could track, try and crack that 1:49 and get into the 1:48, but I was like, it’s a what if. If I do a 1:50 tonight, at least I gave it a crack at the end of the day. So to do that, it’s always a surprise. And you know, to break it twice within a week is something I never could have imagined.”
When asked about racing against the world’s best, O’Callaghan noted, “Oh. Like to race these extraordinary women? To have the privilege to do that. Like, you know, Kate (Douglass) in that hundred freestyle was something else. Like she’s an incredible racer. I could name each and every individual woman.”
“I’ve been watching them and I’ve learned a lot from them, especially last season when they did the World Cups and World Short course. Just looking at my phone and being like, wow, incredible. People who are versatile in so many events, but also in long course and short course,” she continued, “I hope when I’m get a bit fitter, maybe I can do a little bit more. As I said, always learning and even the hundred, like not after Singapore not doing so much, speed or anything. It’s kind of just been like slowly get back to doing a little bit aerobic. Build your case back up. So we haven’t done main training really. So I’m pretty proud of myself to put myself in an uncomfortable position and try and get myself out of that and to have little things chucked at me and to just step back up and go do it again. So I’ve learned a lot from these women.”
Looking ahead to facing Kate Douglass in the 100 free again, O’Callaghan said, “Kate is an incredible athlete. Her 100 free last week was just phenomenal. If I can try and be close to her, then that would be amazing. I’m just gonna try and put myself out there. I don’t know what I’ll be capable of doing, but trying to learn from last week and the week before, even though last week was a bit of a hiccup, but that’s part of racing. It’s just accepting those challenges and putting yourself out there. So whatever happens, happens, and I’m grateful to race these women.”
“It shows the depth that we have and it shows that we are still growing as a country for relays individuals. So to have these all. Just come out and give it a crack and try and try learn from this meet,” she noted, discussing Australia’s strength in depth. “Like we have a lot of youngsters and they’ve, trying to figure their way through this. And I think this type of meet is the perfect way to try and get that international experience and try and get that depth for the relays and the individuals.”
MEN’S 200M IM GOLD – Shaine Casas (USA), 1:49.79
Casas admitted he was hoping for more, saying, “I’m a bit disappointed, I’m not going to lie. I was looking for at least, like, a best. That would have been nice. But who knows, maybe I’m being a little too eager right now.”
“I think I’m just a little tired, you know. It is kind of like three weeks on it. So, I wish I just kind of built a little bit better. Maybe that thing’s a little bit better. I mean, that was a good race. I probably just needed somebody right along with me to get me that little .3, .4 faster,” he continued, “But I’m happy with the crowd and consistently going 1:49. That’s something that I need to just keep doing. Just stay up there constantly and that will help me build my confidence and work towards something even greater than what I’ve been doing.”
Casas emphasized the importance of consistency, noting, “That’s kind of the name of the game, consistency. You know, some meets might be better than others. That’s just kind of factors that you can’t control. You know, a competitor or the crowd or something that you might not be able to replicate or be able to control in practice. But what I can control is my training and my effort and my approach. I’ve been doing all that the same. I’m just trying to turn it up little by little. You know, the swims are showing. It’s been a great stop. Just one more step forward towards LA.”
When asked what’s been the biggest factor in his improvement, he said, “I think the biggest thing would probably just be consistency with my training and my attitude towards swimming.”
“Swimming needs more of that. Put that in like a pro series or something, but it’s good. Yeah, I mean, it’s a nice little reward. Time wasn’t what I wanted, but seeing the check, I’m like, all right, it’s not too bad. Could be worse,” Casas added, discussing the prize money. “It’s a good race, though. Honestly, I was a little bit surprised.”
WOMEN’S 100M BACKSTROKE GOLD – Kaylee McKeown (AUS), 54.49
McKeown was satisfied with her performance despite not matching Reagan’s time from the previous week, stating, “Yeah, I just did the best that I could and it’s nowhere near the swim that Reagan produced last week, but I’ve gotta measure by my own standards and that’s a really good race for me.”
When asked what makes her so good at racing, McKeown reflected, “Look, I think I just love competing. I love getting the best outta myself, like all the other girls. And whether or not that’s just my ability, I don’t know. But yeah, I can’t really answer that. Sorry.”
Asked if she was satisfied with her Australian record time, she said, “Absolutely. Like I think anytime that I’m pb it’s a huge gain. Anyone should be happy with that, even if it’s not a PB.”
“I’m sure Regan will be coming back tomorrow with a vengeance in the 200,” McKeown added.
She also discussed the nerves that come with racing at this level, noting, “It makes me shit my pants every time I race, but I have the mentality that if I’m shitting my pants, my competitors are too. So we’re all in the sport doing the same thing. We all train hard. It’s just a matter of getting up and race for the day.”
MEN’S 50M BREASTSTROKE GOLD – Caspar Corbeau (NED), 25.77
Corbeau was pleased with his performance despite falling just short of his best, saying, “It was good, faster this morning. I think last week when I had that 25.5 it was perfect, you know. So here today on the first 25 I was a little short on the underwater. I had to glide a really long turn. I think if I was a little bit longer on the pullout I could have been maybe a tenth or two faster so I draw on my best. But I mean a win’s a win. It’s all about the points so I’m happy with it. 500 and 200 breastroke are so different race to race to race.”
He explained his race strategy, noting, “I try to focus on my strengths. I’ve always been much more of a long course swimmer and I’m starting to finally have a bit of a breakout short course season. And for the 50 and the 100 and the 200 I’ll just I always just take the first 25 and as little strokes as possible just gliding and then just try and stay in front. I think it’s always harder to beat someone if they’re leading from the start.”
“Honestly a few years ago when I was contemplating quitting swimming before every race I would get very nervous and not want to not want to race because I felt almost too sick in terms of nerves. But now I don’t feel really nervous anymore. I’m just focusing on myself and you know the only thing that’s going to influence your race is yourself,” Corbeau said, discussing how his mindset has evolved over time.
“Part of it has been gratitude. I try to practice gratitude every single day,” he continued, “As I mentioned before I wanted to quit after Fukuoka because I wasn’t enjoying the sport anymore and I took the opportunity to move overseas and give swimming another shot and I’m really glad I did because I had one of the most successful years of my life and I’m trying to continue to build on the way to Los Angeles as long as I stay healthy and keep enjoying what I’m doing.”
WOMEN’S 50M BUTTERFLY GOLD – Gretchen Walsh, 23.91
Walsh reflected on her performance, saying, “Yeah, same time as last stop as well. Okay. So I think I changed some things there. Um, but honestly, just a learning opportunity at the end of the day, that race is one that needs to be perfect. So I know what I need to change, and I think that’s important.”
When asked how close it was to perfect and what she needs to change, Walsh explained, “I maybe should have stuck to a plan that I did in the Carmel stop. Um, maybe one less kick on the second wall so I can take one more stroke and really hit the last wall. I was kind of long into my finish. But at the end of the day, the fact that I could put up that time with a long finish, I think is good.”
Walsh discussed her training approach leading into the meet, noting, “Yeah, definitely like in between Carmel and Westmont, did pretty intense lifts twice, leading into Westmont. And then I only lifted one quick power lift before this meet because we had one less day and wanted to get a little bit extra boost of rest.”
“And I wouldn’t say I’m fully rested for any of this, which goes to show how hard it is to really like be perfect here and how amazing all these women and men are doing out here ’cause it’s a long haul of a meet,” she continued, “And so I think it’s cool that people are still breaking world records and stuff.”
When asked if lifting was her secret weapon, she said, “I love lifting, so maybe yes. But I love resting too, so I’m definitely a big taper girl and any chance I have to maybe not lift or do a single and not swim as much, I’ll take it.”
Walsh also explained her decision not to enter the 100 free, saying, “I didn’t enter in the hundred free at all, for the three stops, just because I wanted to make sure I was focusing on three events only and three events I felt the most confident in winning.”
“I just want to go faster, honestly. I’m gonna do my best to do that and just be really happy with this time,” she added, looking ahead to the 100 fly.
MEN’S 100M FREESTYLE GOLD – Josh Liendo (CAN), 45.30
When asked what it is about this pool that gives him superpowers, Liendo said, “Well when I look up and see, like, a million people in the crowd – there’s a Blue Jays game tonight – but there’s a lot of people in the crowd, man. So, it’s pretty hype. It’s good to see, and it gets me fired up.”
Liendo explained his aggressive race strategy, noting, “I like attacking the first 25, for me, but also to see if I can make other guys jump the gun. I paid for it a little bit at the end, but I just had to get my hand on the wall at the end there.”
“That I need to have fun. Just go out there … I’m enjoying this environment. It’s great to be here. I just like the atmosphere,” he said, when asked what he’s learning about himself in this competition.
Asked about picking up the Canadian record, Liendo noted, “I think it’s time for me … I want to get better in the event long course. Obviously last year during trials, I was sick and didn’t make the team. I want to move forward with that event long course, as well as the 100 fly. Just looking forward to that.”
“Super pleased. I think it just elevates the game when those guys are going that fast week one. Your mind, your body are just telling you you’ve gotta step up, and I’m just glad I’ve done it here,” Liendo said, discussing his performance despite not having as much training as he would have liked.
When asked how he slept after his world record the night before, he laughed, saying, “You don’t want to know. Not much. I don’t even think I know. It’s kind of all a blur. I was super wired. Tried my best to calm myself down. I guess that’s just how it goes. You’ve got to roll with it.”
WOMEN’S 100M BREASTSTROKE GOLD – Kate Douglass (USA), 1:02.93
Douglass was pleased with her performance, saying, “Yeah, I mean super happy. I wanted to go 1:02 again and obviously, Mona (McSharry) went really fast this morning, so I just wanted to be able to get my hand on the wall first, so I’m happy with it.”
She discussed her approach to the 100 breaststroke, noting, “Yeah, I mean, I definitely don’t love this event short course. I feel like I struggle. Kind of getting my tempo going so quickly, just in like a 25 lap. But I think a long course I’m enduring, focusing on this race more and focusing on my sprint breaststroke, which I also think is helping my 200.”
When asked how her strategy for the overall points race is working, Douglass said, “Yeah, I mean, it’s working. Coming into this meet I didn’t really know if I was gonna be winning all three of my events every weekend. And so, tomorrow I’m just kind of hoping to come out here and have fun. I didn’t really expect to be trying to get top two, let alone, number one at this meet. I think it’s just been fun seeing what I’ve been able to do.”
“Yeah, it’s definitely honestly really difficult on trips like this just ’cause we don’t have, we lift up the UVA (Virginia) weight room with our strength coach there. And so we’re just kind of working with hotel rate rooms when we’re on the road. And so it’s just kind of a little all over the place,” she continued, discussing her lifting routine on the road. “But um, before the first two stops, we tried to lift, you know, twice a week. And then this week we only lifted once because it was a shorter week of training.”
Looking ahead to the final day, she said, “I don’t know. I mean, I think I’m just gonna try to kind of channel what I did last weekend. You know, come in in the morning, try to have a really good prelim swim, and then see if I can get faster at night.”
MEN’S 200M BUTTERFLY GOLD – Ilya Kharun (CAN), 1:49.71
Kharun was pleased with his performance despite some fatigue, saying, “I thought I did very well. I took it smooth and kept it smooth the entire way. I thought maybe I could go a bit quicker but it’s alright, I’ve been tired from all the races, but I’m just glad I got it done, it was a great race.”
“The crowd really pushes us and I’m just happy to be here,” he added, “It’s a great opportunity we have (to compete in Toronto), especially since I haven’t been here in about a year. It’s very nice.”
Discussing the final stretch of the race, Kharun noted, “(In the last 25 metres.) I was thinking just get my hand on the wall. I wanted to win, and I got it done.”
When asked about the Canadian record, he said, “(The Canadian record) was in the back (of my mind.) I wanted to go 47. I wanted to go 1:47 but I’ll take it. Like I said, I was a bit tired from all the races but it’s good.”
“I was always a pretty good sprinter when I was little, and I got it more improved with Herbie (Behm),” Kharun said, reflecting on his sprint development.
Asked if he was staying up for the Blue Jays game, he laughed, saying, “No, I’m going to bed, I’ll see you guys in the morning, but hopefully the Blue Jays win.”
“I don’t really watch baseball, but I hope the Blue Jays win,” he added when asked about World Series predictions.
Shit my pants.
Not what I expected to read. Appreciate the candor, a lot!
Then you should set your mind to break LCM 100 free WR
After all, Sjostrom said in 2023 that she expects MOC to break her WR.
Dang, she’s so young. Cut her some slack. She just broke her own WR 😂