Latest news with #WorldAquaticsChampionships'
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Bronze be damned, a chance to see Ledecky is the thrill of opening night
Katie Ledecky en route to finishing third in the women's 400m freestyle final at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on July 25. On a dramatic opening night at the World Aquatics Championships' (WCH) swimming competition, a packed crowd hollered, music blared but talent spoke loudest. The greatest female swimmer of all time lost to the finest female swimmer of this time. Katie Ledecky used to be a poster on Summer McIntosh's wall. Now the Canadian, two lanes away in the women's 400m freestyle final, was offering the American proof of how powerfully that inspiration had worked. In a race about seconds, it was the years which showed. McIntosh, who won, is 18, Ledecky, who was third, is 28. Time in every way is on the former's side. When the American won her first 400m Olympic gold in 2016, the Canadian was nine. The wonder of sport is that sometimes a fan can turn into a rival. It is a testimony to McIntosh's drive and Ledecky's longevity. Both women arrived at the blocks with a poker player's expression. The competition face is a beautiful thing. Ledecky last broke the 400m world record in 2016, McIntosh did it this June. At this distance this wasn't a fully fair fight but still Ledecky comes. As long as they can draw a competitive breath, champions want to measure themselves. I'm here at the WCH Arena for the race, but really I'm here to watch Ledecky. The exceptional, in any field, exert a unique pull. The poet, the sculptor, the dancer, the swimmer, any time you get to see The Greatest, you go. Especially because swimming offers too few chances. The sporting spotlight is never shared equally. Across this Sports Hub precinct on July 27, Arsenal were playing Newcastle in a pre-season friendly. The last time either won the Premier League title was 2004 and yet they were watched by 38,720. In this watery arena in a car park, the full house which watched Ledecky chase McIntosh in hard competition numbered less than 5,000. Swimming appeared at the first Olympics in 1896 and it has produced Tarzans, legendary moustaches and a finned human named Michael Phelps, and yet, perplexingly, has never quite seized our regular attention. Its vocabulary is less familiar, its names less heralded, its feats too rarely on TV. Ledecky is astonishing – four golds in a single Olympics, golds in the same event (800m) in four Games – yet she is probably less known by some than the reserves of Arsenal's team. Yet Ledecky swims to challenge herself, not to be famous. She now has 27 world championship medals, yet competes without any apparent conceit. The most difficult thing for great athletes can be losing yet Ledecky, in the rare times she does lose, does so with grace. Race done on Sunday night, she walked through the mixed zone, stopping briefly for media requests. 'I would've liked to be a little faster,' she said. 'I was a little faster earlier this year, so there's always that slight bit of wanting to be better than that.' Her smile was wide, her tone tinged with gratitude. 'But I can't complain with the medal. Fourth place was a 3:58 (Ledecky timed 3:58.49, Australian's Lani Pallister was fourth in 3:58.87) so that could have easily been me.' A few days ago I'd asked the American swimmer Regan Smith what was extraordinary about Ledecky and her answer went 242 words. It started with 'a lot of things'. When Smith was 15 she was on a trip with Ledecky and said, 'I was very star struck. And I think she carries herself with a lot of grace'. 'She's very down to earth,' said Smith, the 100m backstroke world-record holder. 'If you don't see her, and you're not at the pool, you would never know that she is who she is.' Later Smith, 23, added: 'She's an exceptional leader, too, and she's very good at putting others before herself.' Roger Federer raised everyone's level, Ledecky made everyone faster. At the 2020 Olympics, Australia's Ariarne Titmus, who defeated her in the 400m freestyle, said, 'I wouldn't be here without her'. On Sunday night, China's Li Bingjie, who edged out Ledecky to win silver, was as complimentary. 'She may not be at her peak form now, but this result is still very significant and meaningful to me. I've looked up to her since I was a young athlete. I've had this dream since 2017, and Katie has always been someone I view as a great athlete.' July 28 is the 1,500m heats and it is the start of Ledecky territory. 'I think,' she said, 'the first day is sometimes a hit or miss for me at these worlds. I'm really excited for the distance races, I mean that's kind of my thing.' She is the saint of suffering and the 1,500m is her promised land. Fittingly it's the name of a song by one of her favourite singers Bruce Springsteen and maybe, on Sunday, defeat slowly digested, she might have rolled through her playlist and listened to words from it which define her devoted life. 'I've done my best to live the right way 'I get up every morning and go to work each day.'
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Life of the party David Colturi has no regrets despite close shaves in high diving career
David Colturi has done many wild things in his career, but will do it all again. SINGAPORE – With his Maggi-noodles locks and infectious smile, David Colturi is one of the most recognisable faces in high diving. The American's affable nature belies his eventful life, having started diving at just five years old before joining the circus in his 20s, when he set himself on fire for fire-diving performances. Now 36, he admits that some might look at him and think that he is 'crazy', but he would not change a thing. 'It's been a wild ride,' he told The Straits Times at Sentosa's Palawan Green, where he is taking part in the World Aquatics Championships' (WCH) high diving competition from July 24 to 27. 'I think to the everyday person who looks at us jumping from 27 metres or higher and the stunts that I've done, most people are going to say, 'Crazy, would never do it'. 'But most of us in the sport are calculated risk takers. We don't go up there unless we know that we're going to be able to do what we do, and do it safely and do it again, again and again. 'It's a lifetime of dedication to training, physically, mentally, emotionally, being able to handle the pressure, the fear, all of it. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Singapore S'pore could have nuclear energy 'within a few years', if it decides on it: UN nuclear watchdog chief Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Life 'Do you kill children?': Even before independence, S'pore has always loved its over-the-top campaigns Singapore Lung damage, poor brain development, addiction: What vaping does to the body Singapore Fine for couple whose catering companies owed $432,000 in salaries to 103 employees Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly 'It's a lot of sacrifice and a lot of work. So, when I look back on my career, some crazy stuff absolutely, and I'm thankful for those moments.' His devil-may-care attitude is what he brings to the sport but, with it also comes miscalculations. While paragliding over Lake Lucerne in Switzerland for a promotional stunt in 2018, he hit the water with such force that it caused him to rupture his spleen. That led to internal bleeding, which could have had fatal consequences, had he not been taken to the hospital in time. 'Anybody that gets a near-death experience and a second chance at life is gonna have a perspective change,' Colturi added. 'Of course, I'm still going to make mistakes, and I get caught up in the pressures and the distractions of everyday noise... that stunt was crazy, and if I had the chance to do it again, I would... 'I'd maybe change a few things in the approach, but Red Bull Cliff Diving has done so much for us, and being able to be one of their star athletes and promote the sport in the ways that I did was an honour... I look back at all of it in appreciation. 'They're not failures, they're just lessons learnt... I have more than my fair share of wisdom, maybe a couple lessons learnt the hard way, but I'm happy to share those with my fellow divers .' Colturi looks forward to helping the young get into the sport as he hopes they can 'build towards the Olympic Games'. After completing the four preliminary rounds of the WCH men's 27m event at Sentosa on July 24 and 25, he scored 355.30 points to be 10th out of 23 competitors to qualify for round 5 on July 27. Only the top 14 advance. Romania's Constantin Popovici topped the men's category with 452.30 points, ahead of Spain's Carlos Gimeno (450.65) and American James Lichtenstein (411.55). While qualifying takes into account all four rounds, only points for the first and third rounds will be carried forward into round 5. This means Gimeno leads the pack, followed by Lichtenstein and Colturi. Romania's Constantin Popovici qualified in first after four rounds of high diving. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Meanwhile, in the women's 20m, four-time world champion Rhiannan Iffland is the top qualifier with 351.40 points after four rounds. Canadian Molly Carlson finished second (322.80) ahead of American Kaylea Arnett (322.25). Based on their first- and third-round scores, Australian Iffland will head into the final day on July 26 with the highest points, ahead of Canada's Simone Leathead and Mexico's Alejandra Aguilar Tovar. Australia's Rhiannan Iffland in action during the Women's 20m platform Rounds 1-4 at the World Aquatics Championships on July 25. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Said Iffland: 'I would love to be holding that gold medal at the end of the event, but coming (here) and just being a part of my fifth world championships is an achievement in itself. 'So, regardless of tomorrow, I'm proud of what I've done. I try not to think about the end result too much while I'm diving. 'It's kind of a step-by-step thing, and with diving being such a fickle sport, you could miss one dive by a fraction and then there it's gone.'
Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
China retain artistic swimming team free title at World Aquatics Championships
Find out what's new on ST website and app. China's artistic swimmers impressing judges and spectators at the World Aquatics Championships' team free final at the WCH Arena on July 20. SINGAPORE – Overcome by emotion at the end of their routine, China's artistic swimming coach Zhang Xiaohuan shed tears of joy as she planted a kiss on the cheek of each and every one of her swimmers. Her team had scored 348.4779 points to retain their title in the team free category at the World Aquatics Championships (WCH) Arena on July 20. Japan were second (334.7232), with Spain (321.1328) taking home the bronze. Zhang believes that had she not made three technical changes after the Artistic Swimming World Cup in Xi'an, China in June, they would not have been on the podium. 'Overall I am very happy with our performance and despite having faced some difficulties leading up to this, we managed to pull through,' the 44-year-old said in Mandarin. China's Xu Huiyan, who won the women's solo technical event a day earlier, said: 'Coach had aimed for us to score 350 points, but we were happy nonetheless. 'Last year (at the WCH in Doha), I was merely a spectator and today I am a competitor. It is a huge change, there is pressure, but the goal is just to do my best.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Priority for singles, higher quota for second-timer families to kick in from HDB's July BTO exercise Singapore Both Bukit Panjang LRT disruptions in July linked to newly installed power system: SMRT Singapore 1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung Asia Johor Bahru collision claims lives of e-hailing driver and Singapore passenger Sport Arsenal arrive in Singapore for pre-season matches with AC Milan and Newcastle Business Crypto exchange Tokenize to shut down Singapore operations Singapore More initiatives and support for migrant community announced at Racial Harmony Day event Singapore ComfortDelGro to discipline driver who flung relative's wheelchair out of taxi China were the last to take to the pool as they had topped the preliminary round a day earlier, with Spain qualifying in second and Japan third. Japan had made five changes to the team of eight who finished fifth out of 10 at the Paris Olympics last August, but produced a captivating performance that exuded poise and elegance. Spain then put on a bold performance, but an error in their eighth hybrid element caused them to drop points. They were awarded a lower score than their preliminary-round result of 329.4288. Japan captain Tomoka Sato said: 'We were third place yesterday, but second today. Doesn't matter what the result was, I'm very satisfied with our performance. 'Before the Olympics, we had so much pressure back home because artistic swimming is a traditional sport and most people thought that maybe we could get a medal. 'After the Olympics, we changed the team and our mindset changed – that made the difference this time.' Japan's Sakurako Uchida in action during the World Aquatics Championships' team free final at the WCH Arena on July 20. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Despite losing out on silver after their mistake, Spain's Dennis Gonzalez Boneu believes that it was an 'incredible performance from my teammates'. The 21-year-old said: 'We made a little mistake and this was not good for us, but I'm happy because we (still managed to) be inside the podium places with this little mistake. 'All the choreography today was better than yesterday and I enjoyed it a lot. 'With this routine, we wanted to show people that 'crazy is normal in our lives' and this choreography shows that you can be crazy, but you also can be a genius.' The turnout on July 20 was better than previous days, with the 4,800-capacity WCH Arena looking slightly more than half full. While two stands with restricted view were closed, the organisers said that 'close to two thirds of the available ticketed seats were occupied during the team free final'. In the earlier women's solo free preliminary round, China's Xu scored 238.7737 points to top the list of 12 heading into the final on July 22, when the 19-year-old will be eyeing her third gold at this WCH. Belarusian Vasilina Khandoshka, who competes as a neutral athlete, qualified second with 238.2762 points, ahead of Spain's Iris Tio Casas (235.3063). Singapore's Rachel Thean did not qualify for the final after finishing 16th out of 30 with a personal-best 201.2638 points.
Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Moesha Johnson, Florian Wellbrock crowned double winners after 5km open water races off Sentosa
Australia's Moesha Johnson striking a pose alongside second-placed Ginevra Taddeucci (left) and third-placed Ichika Kajimoto, following her victory in the women's 5km open water event at the World Aquatics Championships off Sentosa on July 18. SINGAPORE – As fans and family braved the morning sun at Palawan Beach on July 18 to catch the second day of the World Aquatics Championships' (WCH) open water events, there was something a lot more heated going on in the waters off Sentosa. Australia's Moesha Johnson and Ginevra Taddeucci of Italy were embroiled in a tense and thrilling sprint to the finish line in the women's 5km race. When it mattered most, it was Johnson who turned on the gas at the final moment to clinch victory in one hour, two minutes and 1.30 seconds, a second ahead of Taddeucci. Japan's Ichika Kajimoto (1:02:28.90) was third. This was Johnson's second gold medal in three days at the July 11-Aug 3 WCH in Singapore. On July 16, she had won the women's 10km race, over four seconds ahead of Taddeucci, for her maiden individual title in the world meet. There was a similar crowning of a double-gold medallist in the men's race as German swimmer Florian Wellbrock, who won the 10km crown, clinched the 5km event. Johnson, 27, who led after the first of three laps, credited Taddeucci for pushing her. She told The Straits Times: 'At the finish line, I had no idea where she was. I knew she was going to fight, to be honest. I knew she wanted it today, and then I saw a splash beside me, but I just started kicking my legs. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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'So you just really draw on everything or anything that comes into your mind, to make sure you get there first.' The Australian added that she had really wanted to win, having worked hard and sacrificed a lot of time, weekends and social activities in pursuit of excellence in the waters. 'I've been through a lot the last 12 to 18 months,' added Johnson, who won a silver medal in the 10km event at the Paris Olympics. 'At the end, there's not always a lot of skill. When you're tired, it comes down to just pure fight. And I wanted that win. I wanted that back to back (gold) today.' Up next for Johnson is the 3km knockout sprint – which is making its world championship debut – on July 19, followed by the Australians' title defence in the mixed 4x1,500m relay gold the next day. Attention will then turn to the pool, where she will compete in both the 1,500m and 800m freestyle events. Australian swimmer Moesha Johnson competing in the women's 5km open water event at the World Aquatics Championships off Sentosa on July 18, 2025. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO The men's race saw a less dramatic finish as Wellbrock touched the finish pad after 57min 26.40sec. Italy's Gregorio Paltreneiri (57:29.30) – silver medallist in the 10km race – finished second behind Wellbrock again, almost three seconds behind the 27-year-old German. Frenchman Marc-Antoine Olivier, who did not finish the 10km race and had to be assisted back to shore by a lifeguard then, redeemed himself with a third-placed finish in 57:30.40. Wellbrock said in the mixed-zone post-race that due to the hard conditions two days ago in the 10km event, 'everybody was so tired' and hence the race pace was lower. But he was equally thrilled with the latest victory. 'It feels so amazing. To be honest, I didn't expect my second gold today, and it was the second gold for Team Germany.... so yeah, it's an amazing feeling to be on the top of the podium again,' said Wellbrock. The 5km races marked day two of open water races in Singapore. Following two delays after tests revealed that Escherichia coli bacteria levels in the waters off Sentosa had exceeded World Aquatics thresholds, the events finally kicked off in the afternoon of July 16. This had resulted in punishing conditions of 30.4 deg C for the water temperature during the men's event and 30.8 deg C for the women's, with several swimmers remarking that it was one of their hardest races. Conditions were only a little kinder on July 18 with water temperature at 30.3 deg C for the men's event and 30.2 deg C for the women's. The Singaporean women in the 5km race held their own with Kate Ona (1:09:53.90) finishing 43rd while Muse Goh (1:13:57.40) was 60th. In the men's event, Luke Tan (1:07:26.90) was 68th, while Ian Leong (1:11:53.80) was 74th. Ona, 17, who competed in the 5km just 36 hours after her world championship debut in the 10km event, felt that conditions in the second race were 'so much better'. She said: 'I managed to stay in the pack and it allowed me to push harder. Physically, my arms were still sore from the 10km race... but I am really happy with how I executed it.'
