Douglass dedicates world gold to stricken US after 'rough' week
Douglass comfortably won her race in a championship-record 2min 18.50sec, with Russian world record holder Evgeniia Chikunova (2:19.96) second and South Africa's Kaylene Corbett (2:23.52) third.
Despite their troubles the US lead Australia in the medals table with two more days of competition left and Olympic champion Douglass said she was happy to make a contribution.
"That win was huge, not just for me but for the whole team," said the 23-year-old.
"I wanted to get a gold for Team USA to help our medal count.
"I think with the rough week that we've had, we've done a great job of coming back and showing that we are here to race."
Douglass took control of the final early and never looked like giving up her lead, despite a late surge from Chikunova.
The Russian was competing under a "neutral athletes" banner and Douglass said she was "really excited to race her tonight".
"I felt like we were both going to push each other to be better," said the American.
"Honestly, if I wasn't racing her I don't know if I would have gone 2:18. I think that really pushed me to be my best."
Also on Friday, Torri Huske picked up bronze for the Americans in the 100m freestyle, behind winner Marrit Steenbergen and Mollie O'Callaghan in silver.
It was Huske's second medal of the week after winning silver with the US women's 4x100m freestyle relay team.
"I've never had such a roller coaster of a meet," said Huske, who withdrew ill from a previous race.
"I am really proud of that swim and that I was able to get back to kind of normal."
© 2025 AFP
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