Canada secured the bronze medal in the mixed 4×100-metre medley relay on Wednesday at the world aquatics championship held in Singapore, marking their fifth medal in the competition. The Canadian team, comprised of Kylie Masse from LaSalle, Ont., Oliver Dawson from Grande Prairie, Alta., Josh Liendo from Toronto, and Taylor Ruck from Kelowna, B.C., finished the race in a time of three minutes and 40.90 seconds, edging out the Netherlands.
The gold medal was claimed by Neutral Athletes B, a team of Russian swimmers competing under a neutral flag, who set a meet record with a time of 3:37.97. China secured the silver medal with a time of 3:39.99. Russia is participating under a neutral banner due to international sanctions following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kylie Masse expressed her excitement about the podium finish, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the race. Masse’s strong performance in the backstroke leg set the pace for the team, earning her 10th career medal and tying her with Summer McIntosh for the most medals ever at long-course worlds. Oliver Dawson’s impressive breaststroke leg initiated Canada’s comeback, with Josh Liendo helping to push the team into fourth place. Taylor Ruck’s exceptional freestyle performance in the anchor leg secured the bronze for Canada.
In another event, Olympic champion Summer McIntosh advanced to the final of the women’s 200m butterfly, qualifying second behind Australia’s Elizabeth Dekkers. McIntosh, who has already clinched gold in the 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley, is set to compete for a third butterfly title.
French swimmer Leon Marchand made headlines by breaking the world record in the 200m individual medley, clocking a time of 1:52.69. Marchand, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, expressed his satisfaction with the record-breaking performance and his strategic decision to focus on select events in the competition.
Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Jaouadi secured the 800m freestyle title with the third-fastest time ever recorded in the event, overcoming past struggles with depression and lack of confidence. Jaouadi dedicated his victory to compatriot Ahmed Hafnaoui, the Tokyo Olympics 400 freestyle champion, who faced challenges and a suspension in recent times.
The world aquatics championship in Singapore continues to showcase remarkable performances from athletes around the globe, setting the stage for thrilling competitions and inspiring stories of triumph and resilience.