World Aquatics Championships Sees the US Leading in Swimming Medals Despite Prior Episode of Severe Stomach Illness Outbreak
US Swimming Team Overcomes Health Challenges to Top 2025 World Aquatics Championships
The US swimming team faced a challenging start at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships due to a widespread outbreak of acute gastroenteritis that affected around 85% of the team. This illness caused significant weight loss and affected the team's early performance, leading to few medals in the initial days and multiple swimmers scratching from events.
Despite the setbacks, the team managed to rally and finished the championships with a total of 29 medals, including nine gold medals. This performance was enough to secure the top spot in the medal table, finishing ahead of Australia, who earned eight gold medals and 20 total medals.
The recovery of the US team was a testament to their resilience and the depth of their squad, especially on the women's side. National director Greg Meehan highlighted the severity of the illness, noting that many swimmers lost around five percent of their body weight. However, the less-affected swimmers stepped up, and the team's perseverance under difficult circumstances paid off.
One of the standout performers was Summer McIntosh, who won four gold medals at the championships, making her the only woman, along with Katie Ledecky, to have won four individual golds at a world championships. McIntosh attempted to join Michael Phelps' record of winning five individual golds, but lost to Ledecky in the 800m freestyle final.
Ledecky also had a strong championships, winning the women's 800m freestyle with a championship-record time. Another impressive performance came from Kate Douglass, who set a championship-record time in the women's 200m breaststroke.
The US women's relay team ended the championships with a world record in the 4x100m medley relay, underscoring the team's late surge. This success came after criticism from former stars like Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps, who criticised the team's performance at the beginning of the championships.
Despite the team's success, their overall haul was significantly less than the 38 gold medals and 45 total medals they won in 2023 and 2022 respectively. However, their resilience and perseverance in overcoming the health challenges they faced is a testament to their spirit and determination.
Sources: 1. US Swimming Team Recovers from Illness Outbreak to Top 2025 World Aquatics Championships 2. US Swimming Team Overcomes Health Challenges to Top 2025 World Aquatics Championships 3. US Swimming Team Struggles with Illness Outbreak at World Aquatics Championships
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The US swimming team's victory at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, despite their initial health challenges, showcased their prowess in diverse sports, with their total medal haul of 29, including 9 gold medals, securing the top spot.
Their inspiring comeback served as a testament to the team's resilience and the depth of their athletic talent, especially in sporting disciplines like swimming.
