2016 SHORT COURSE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
- December 6th – December 11th, 2016
- Windsor, Ontario, Canada
- WFCU Centre
- SCM (25m)
- Prelims: 9:30 AM EST/Finals: 6:30 PM EST
- Start Lists/Results
- Live Stream ($)
American Kelsi Worrell set an American Record in the women’s 100 fly tonight, and had the 4×100 medley relay shortly after, so it was assumed she was just preparing for the relay when she was absent for the 100 fly victory ceremony.
However, it became clear what actually happened after she helped the Americans to gold in a new Championship Record time of 3:47.89. In the post race interview, breaststroker Lilly King, who is never afraid to speak out, said “Kelsi split her head open about 15 minutes ago, got stitches, and came back and swam this race”.
Apparently Worrell was involved in a collision in the warm-down pool, ultimately requiring stitches. You couldn’t tell at all when she walked out, as she was smiling as usual. She was also interviewed before King, and didn’t mention the incident at all. On the medal stand, she clearly was stitched up above the right eyebrow.
It was an incredibly gutsy swim from Worrell, who split 55.48 to extend the Americans lead en route to another relay gold. That gives Worrell four relay gold medals here in Windsor, along with three silver medals in the butterfly races.
Joining Worrell and King on the relay was Ali DeLoof and Mallory Comerford. Their time of 3:47.89 lowered the previous Championship Record of 3:48.29 set by China in 2010.
Its good to see her having success in meters.
Gutsy, courageous, talented, fast. That’s Ms. Worrell. Merry Christmas, what a great show she put on. Head gash and all.
She’s a CHAMP!! And now we know she is also a pretty good freestyler. I look forward to cheering for her on many national teams in the future.
We also saw her freestyle at OTs. She’s a tough one.
I could almost hear the theme song from “Rocky” in the background when she came out for the relay. Great split. Really tough competitor and clutch teammate.