The 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, kicked off with a bang for American swimmers, securing a bronze medal in the men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay. The team, comprised of Matt King, Shaine Casas, Luke Hobson, and Carson Foster, showcased their strength and teamwork, setting the tone for a promising competition.
This exciting win was just the beginning of a successful day for the US team. While some swimmers took home individual medals, others fought hard to secure their spot in the finals, set to take place on Monday, February 12th.
Individual Highlights:
David Johnston impressed in the men’s 400m freestyle final, finishing in 12th place with a time of 3:46.99. Claire Curzan, a rising star in the swimming world, delivered a strong performance in the women’s 100m butterfly semifinal, securing second place with a time of 57.06. The competition was fierce, with Michael Andrew taking first place in the men’s 50m butterfly semifinal with a time of 22.94, followed closely by Shaine Casas, who placed 7th with a time of 23.22.
In the women’s 400m freestyle final, Addison Sauickie made her senior-level, international debut, finishing in 11th place with a time of 4:09.67.
The men’s 100m breaststroke semifinal saw strong performances from Nic Fink, who placed second with a time of 58.73, and Jake Foster, who finished ninth with a time of 59.48.
Kate Douglass continued her dominance in the pool, winning the women’s 200m individual medley semifinal with a time of 2:08.41.
Relay Teamwork and Individual Pride
The men’s 4x100m freestyle relay brought together the talent and dedication of the team. Luke Hobson, competing in his first 4×100 for Team USA, shared his excitement about the experience, saying: “It was a great experience and super fun to race a little bit of a shorter distance than I’m used to. I’m happy to be walking away with a bronze, I think that’s a great result for us and was a fun relay.”
Carson Foster, who swam alongside two of his training teammates, reflected on the camaraderie of the team: “It’s always fun getting to swim on a relay with guys you train with, and to be able to do a 100 was a lot of fun and something I don’t get to do often.”
The morning prelims saw even more impressive performances from the US swimmers, with Hunter Armstrong and Jack Aikins receiving medals for their efforts. Notably, this is Jack Aikins’ first World Aquatics Championships medal, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Stay Tuned for More Thrilling Competition!
The 2024 World Aquatics Championships continue through February 18th, offering fans a glimpse into the dedication, talent, and passion of the world’s best swimmers. Don’t miss a moment of the action as the US swimmers strive for more medals and push the limits of their potential! You can catch all the live action on Peacock.
Make sure to follow @usaswimming on Facebook, X, and Instagram for all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content!
