2025 World Championships
- July 27 – August 3, 2025 (pool swimming)
- Singapore, Singapore
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American Carson Foster was a late scratch for the final of the men’s 200 IM, joining a growing chorus of Americans, and others, who have had to withdraw from events this week in Singapore.
Foster finished 8th in the semifinals in 1:57.49, sneaking into the final by .02 seconds ahead of Japan’s Kosuke Makino. Makino was called in after Foster withdrew, ultimately finishing 8th in 1:59.25 – almost two seconds slower than he was in the semifinals.
It is unclear when the decision to scratch Foster was made, but the entry lists weren’t updated until 7:06PM on Thursday, roughly 17 minutes before the event. USA Swimming Tweeted his scratch at 7:08 PM, after the session had begun.
Also on Thursday, Australian Olivia Wunsch scratched the 100 free semifinals with an undisclosed illness.
Others to have withdrawn from races this week for illness include members of the U.S. team, most of whom were impacted by gastrointestinal issues. While it is not uncommon for stomach issues to impact the results of major meets, they rarely impact competition at this scale.
Foster, 23, was the 2022 and 2024 World Championship silver medalist in the 200 IM. He still has a remaining entry in the 400 IM on Sunday, where he was the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist. He is also expected to be a key part of the American 800 free relay on Friday.
After setting a World Record in semi-finals, France’s Leon Marchand won the 200 IM on Thursday in 1:53.68 – slower than his earlier time. American Shaine Casas finished 2nd in 1:54.30, also one of the fastest times in history.
Top 8 Finishers, Men’s 200 IM, 2025 World Aquatics Championships
- Leon Marchand (FRA), 1:53.68
- Shaine Casas (USA), 1:54.30
- Hubert Kos (HUN), 1:55.34
- Duncan Scott (GBR), 1:56.32
- Lewis Clareburt (NZL), 1:57.06
- Tomoyuki Matsushita (JPN), 1:57.52
- Wang Shun (CHN), 1:57.92
- Kosuke Makino (JPN), 1:59.25
Odds that Marchand scratches 400IM for a relay like Foster?
No, no.
He competes in “only” two individual events and not sick so why ?
What s the infectious agent? It surely is lasting a lot longer than many bacterial agents. The duration of the infirmity makes me think it is Norovirus.
Man, this meet is a literal sh!t show
Yeah I think USA is saving him for that 4×200 relay that’s why
Absolutely.
I also think the coaches told Gemmel to take it easy in 200 free final.
Because it makes no sense when Gemmel swam 2:00 and the day after was chosen as automatic final relay member
You’re grasping at straws.
Saving for WR attempt in the 4×200 relay?
Maybe but Jett was about 1 sec slower and Carson doesn’t look like he’s in his best form so it’s going to be pretty tough.
How’s the others doing? McFadden? Guiliano? Maurer? Mijtavic?
Unfortunately, the most likely scenario is that Carson is praying to the porcelain gods right now.
I prefer “steering the porcelain bus”.