2019 FINA WORLD AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
- All sports: Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 28, 2019
- Pool swimming: Sunday, July 21 – Sunday, July 28, 2019
- The Nambu University Municipal Aquatics Center, Gwangju, Korea
- Meet site
- Competition Schedule
- FinaTV Live Stream
- Entry Lists
- Results
The women’s 100m fly saw Canada’s Maggie MacNeil roar to the wall ahead of favorite and reigning World Record holder Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden in one of the most thrilling races of these World Championships.
After turning fifth at the 50m wall in 26.77, MacNeil stormed home in 29.06 to run down Sjostrom and win in 55.83. That registers as a new Canadian, Commonwealth and Americas Record, as well as marks the 2nd fastest time in history.
Sjostrom touched in 56.22, while Australian Olympian Emma McKeon rounded out the podium, taking bronze in a time of 56.61. You can read more about the race here.
While in the medalist’s parade, however, the trio representing different nations showed a sign of solidarity for ailing Rikako Ikee of Japan. The 19-year-old Olympic finalist in this event is currently battling leukemia, having revealed her diagnosis this past February.
The Pan Pacs multi-medalist and 2018 Asian Games MVP has been updating fans via her website. On June 5th, she was able to exit the hospital for a short visit with her family. The teenage national record holder stated, “Treatment is ongoing, and there are days I don’t feel so well. On those days, I just wait for time to pass and somehow manage to survive. I stay motivated by setting a post-discharge goal for myself.”
In the photo below, Sjostrom, MacNeil and McKeon hold up the message, “Rikako, neer give up, Ikee” with hearts.
Tying this to the overall Australian performances so far at these World Championships, the nation of Australia is still holding fast as the #2 nation in the overall medal swimming table in Gwangju. Australia was #1 after night 1, thanks to Ariarne Titmus’ gold in the 400m free, but America’s Caeleb Dressel took the men’s 50m fly title tonight to bring the stars n’ stripes’ gold total to 2 now.
New Zealand and any other Oceanic nations are still seeking their first finalists here in Gwangju.
Overall Swimming Medal Table Through Day 2:
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | U.S. | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| 2 | Australia | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | China | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | Great Britain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 5 | Canada | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 6 | Hungary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Russia | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 8 | Sweden | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 | Brazil | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Italy | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| Totals | 8 | 8 | 8 | 24 |
When they were on the podium Sarah and Emma had switched sides.
Lovely
This is just awesome!
Simple but brilliant
Loving these three ladies.
They can swim fast and yet they still have class
Sensational results is every day this championships. Women 100fly and 400free.
Sjostrom and Ledekcy no won this worlds own main events.
I love you too Kristiina
I’m sure you wished Lochte were competing
Swimmers display the best sportsmanship of all athletes! Great to see. Just to change the subject a second. Whats wrong with the American team? They are fading at the end of races. They are not finishing! Ledecky in the 400 Seliskar and Haas in the 200 and Dahlia in the 100 fly.
Is it just me or is it getting a little dusty in here? I love the world swimming family.