See Whose Stock Has Risen Since the World Championships
When analyzing the distribution of medals from the World Championships, it becomes evident that certain athletes have experienced significant improvements in their standing in the sport. One such athlete is Mollie O’Callaghan, whose stellar performance in the 100-meter freestyle and 200 freestyle has boosted her reputation. Similarly, Qin Haiyang from China had a remarkable showing in the breaststroke events, including a world record-setting performance in the 200 distance.
However, it would be remiss to forget about those athletes who did not secure a podium finish at the Marine Messe Hall. Instead of overlooking them, it is important to acknowledge the rise in their stock as we approach the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Let’s take a closer look at a few athletes who finished outside of the medals but demonstrated significant potential for future success.
Jordan Crooks, Cayman Islands
Jordan Crooks, a standout from the University of Tennessee, entered the World Championships with a reputation as a short-course star. However, his performances in the big pool in Fukuoka propelled him to be recognized as a dual-threat athlete. Crooks impressed with a sixth-place finish in the 50 freestyle, clocking in at 21.73, and a seventh-place finish in the 100 freestyle with a time of 47.94. Notably, he achieved his personal best in the semifinals of the 100 free, touching in 47.71, and maintained consistency with sub-48 times in all three rounds.
Isabel Gose
Following her European title in the 400 freestyle, Isabel Gose from Germany showcased her capabilities by advancing to the finals in all three distance-freestyle events at the World Championships. Her strongest performance came in the 800 freestyle, where she secured a fifth-place finish with a time of 8:17.95. Additionally, Gose achieved a sixth-place finish in the 1500 freestyle (15:54.58) and a seventh-place finish in the 400 free (4:05.27).
Eneli Jefimova
Continuing to demonstrate her promise, 16-year-old Eneli Jefimova impressed by reaching the finals of both the 50 breaststroke and 100 breaststroke at the World Championships. Jefimova achieved a personal best of 30.22 in the 50 breast, securing a seventh-place finish in the final. In the 100 breaststroke, she placed sixth and recorded a best time of 1:06.18 in the semifinals.
Lucas Matzerath
Another rising star from Germany, Lucas Matzerath established a national record of 58.74 in the 100 breaststroke, positioning himself as a contender in the event. He also achieved a sixth-place finish in the 50 breaststroke, with his fastest time of 26.89 coming from the semifinals. Matzerath’s performances indicate that he is poised for a podium run in the 100 breaststroke as we look ahead to Paris.
Daniel Wiffen
As part of Ireland’s surge, distance star Daniel Wiffen showcased his talent with fourth-place finishes in both the 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle. Wiffen set a European record of 7:39.19 in the 800 free, although he fell short of his personal best in the 1500 freestyle with a time of 14:43.01. Nonetheless, Wiffen’s solid performances provide him with valuable experience to apply in his crucial preparations for the upcoming year.
