2024 WORLD AQUATIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
- February 11th – February 18th, 2024
- Doha, Qatar
- LCM (50m)
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- Day 1 Prelims Recap | Day 1 Finals Recap
- Day 2 Prelims Recap | Day 2 Finals Recap
- Day 3 Prelims Recap | Day 3 Finals Recap
- Day 4 Prelims Recap | Day 4 Finals Recap
Another night of races is in the books in Doha 2024. The new World Record holder in the 100-meter free won the title but not as easily as we expected. Another gold for Claire Curzan (50 back), while Carson Foster took the silver in the 200 IM, beaten by an unpredictable exploit from lane 7 by Canadian Finlay Knox. Here is what the stars of this session of finals said after their races:
LAURA STEPHENS (GBR)
Gold medallist in the 200 meters butterfly in a time of 2:07.35
“I feel very, very happy. It’s really hard to put into words, to be honest with you. I just can’t believe it. I came into this meet hoping for three solid swims, to learn through the process and to come away on top of the podium is kind of crazy. I had no expectation in terms of time, I mean, it’s February, I couldn’t really come into hoping for PBS or things like that, but that’s a really solid time. It’s a great way to start the long course season, and I hope I can get faster and faster.”
ALESSANDRO MIRESSI (ITA)
Silver medallist in the 100 meters freestyle in a time of 47.72
“Of course I’m happy with my first individual medal in long course but at the same time I’m a bit disappointed for the time. Today Pan Zhanle was not that far, with my PB I would have won. But that’s how sport works, I’m learning a lot and this will be helpful in the future for Paris.”
CLAIRE CURZAN (USA)
Gold medalist in the 50 meters backstroke in a time of 27.43
“I’m just happy that I could get another medal for Team USA. I think that it’s always an honor to have the national anthem play and know that you were able to get that for your country.
Iona (Anderson, silver medal in 27.45) had a really great meet. She’s had a really great 50 back and she’s an amazing swimmer. So I’m just excited that she keeps the level of competition so high and that the Aussies keep pushing us because I think, um, some level of competition is really good for all sports. And I’m glad that we’re able to have this really friendly rivalry.”
FINLAY KNOX (CAN)
Gold medalist in the 200 meters IM in a time of 1:56.64
“It feels incredible. Obviously, now having the world champion under my name is great. We know that there are quite a few big names that weren’t in the field tonight. It gave me the opportunity to kind of step up and shine. But obviously, we know that some of those guys have put up faster times. And for me, it’s just another step forward. So I’m very happy to be kind of in the spotlight tonight. But in the back of my mind, I know there are some faster swims out there and that keep me hungry.”
CARSON FOSTER (USA)
Silver medallist in the 200 meters IM in a time of 1:56.9
“I wish the time was a little bit quicker, but I think overall, I can’t complain about the silver medal.
I only breathed to my right, so I didn’t see him coming up. I didn’t see who was on my left, but I tried to focus on my lane regardless. But it wouldn’t make any difference. I’m pushing as hard as I can in that last 50, so I don’t think it would have made any difference.
My strength is the front end, the back end is going to come as the season goes on. And so I’m going to keep swimming in the same way the 200 IM.”
Why aren’t swimmers taught to breath on both sides ?
I’ve never understood this
Back half developing as the season comes along is a little insight into the fact they probably didn’t pull a full taper for him for this meet.
For the swimmers with sights on Paris medals there does seem to be some training through this meet. We have heard this regarding Australians as well
I know we will never know – or shall I say only know come Paris and the timing comparison between there and here, but part of me would love to know which swimmers are rested, semi rested or training through this meet.
To be honest with US trials so far away, my guess is that the US squad that bothered to travel are all at least partially rested. Whereas other nations have trials in just over a month which would seem more of a natural target to taper for, rather than having to taper twice in 2 months.
Resting not training on the long plane ride over. Lol
Damn guess he should’ve breathed to his wrong.
Rowdy Gaines: 🤬
Shhhhh Carson don’t give Rowdy any encouragement.
Rowdy just had an aneurysm hearing Carson’s quote.
carson can’t close either IM distance and it’s particularly puzzling because he’s a world class 200/400 freestyler
Because he takes it out fast (relative for him), just like Hagino when he swam his personal best.
Is it the right strategy? That I don’t know.
I’ll always prefer a close fast strategy. Case in point is Deano and Duncs last year in Fukoaka in 200 IM. Both were hanging around first 150 and let it rip the last 50. Or AUS women’s freestylers as well.
The go out fast strat just doesnt work as consistently (MA, Trenton Julian, Carson, Casas, etc).
Carson definitely isn’t comparable to MA or Trenton Julian when it comes to going out fast and then fading. He still closes relatively well, unlike MA and Julian, who have a piano drop in the 200 IM (MA) and 200 fly (Julian).
I’ve always preferred closing fast, but that isn’t always conducive to going a fast time. Case in point Dean and Scott last year. 1:55.9 and 1:56 low are solid times but not exactly impressive. Without a super suit going out fast is a safer bet for swimming fast, while closing is a better bet for winning.
You’ve also gotta keep in mind individual strengths. Yes Foster is a good 200/400 freestyler, but he’s also good at the 200 fly/200 back. Dean and Scott are freestylers at heart, so blitzing the front half would be detrimental to them
Fly & back have always been his two best (and fav) strokes going back to his Marlin (pre Manta Ray days). He’s obviously playing to his strengths with the quick front half but you all are right – best to have something in the tank to close. I’ve been curious what a change of scenery to join Chase’s IM group in AZ would have looked like leading up to Paris after he turned pro… I realize he’s loyal to Austin. I’m still holding out hope he can still bring home two silvers in the IM’s fr Paris.
MARLINS MENTIONED RAHHHHH 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅 🏊♂️🏊♂️🏊♂️🏊♂️🏊♂️🏊♂️ WHAT THE FLIP IS ATHLETE RETENTION ⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️
He took it out a bit too fast as well. He was out 24.6-24.7. He would have had more on the back end had he simply been 25.1-25.2.
Interview Casas!
Casas wasn’t doing press at the US Open or PSS, no chance he does it here.
He’s breathing to his right!