Rivalry to Watch in 2024: USA vs Australia
Winning the title for the top team at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, the United States walked away with a total of 38 medals- 13 medals more than the next-highest ranking country. However, the scene in Fukuoka indicated an entirely different narrative, with Australia proving to be the dominant squad. The Aussies won 13 gold medals as compared to the 7 gold medals secured by the U.S. These numbers indicated a significant advantage of 13-3 for Australia, even leading into the final day of the meet. Since the 2001 Worlds, this was the first time that Australia had managed to surpass the U.S., winning the title. Looking towards 2024, the rivalry between the two undisputed swimming giants is a testament to the common prediction of being one the top storylines in the upcoming Olympic year.
Although the Aussies failed to surpass the U.S. in the 2021 Olympic Games, not only did they manage to win nine gold medals compared to 11 for the Americans, but they also concluded the meet with a total of 21 podium finishes. Heading into Paris, undoubtedly, the Australians are spearheading the women’s team, leading the charge. With formidable swimmers like Kaylee McKeown, Mollie O’Callaghan, and Ariarne Titmus, the Australian women are expected to put up a tough fight. Moreover, the Dolphins snatched four relay gold medals in Fukuoka, which is two more than the Americans managed to secure. The rivalry between the two swimming powerhouses is expected to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
China’s Ascension
China stole the spotlight at the World Championships, clinching 16 medals, including five golds—a record. Chinese swimmer Qin Haiyang emerged as the star performer, sweeping the men’s breaststroke events. Additionally, Zhang Yufei, emerged victorious and won three individual medals, including a gold in the 100 butterfly. China’s dominant win in the mixed 400 medley relay illuminated their extraordinary potential. Swimmers like Li Bingjie, Yu Yiting, Peng Xuwei, and Xu Jiayu contributed significantly, achieving individual medals. After such a stellar performance, it’s no surprise that China is ready to bring the heat to Paris.
Continuing to prove the prowess in women’s freestyle events has laid the foundation of China’s domination. Even the men’s medley relay team, which nearly broke the world record at the Asian Games this year, is ready to seize every opportunity in 2024. Will Paris witness the same trend or will another country rise to challenge China’s pinnacle?
The Return of the Titans
The most anticipated return for the 2024 Olympics is that of four swimmers who clinched Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games. Caeleb Dressel, Kristof Milak, Adam Peaty, and Evgeny Rylov have been absent recently. Despite their hiatus, their comebacks are anticipated, given their past success. Dressel in particular has already shown promising signs early this year. The much-awaited face-off between Dressel, Chalmers, McEvoy, and Popovici in the sprint events is an event not to be missed. After his return, Peaty is also expected to compete fiercely against Qin Haiyang in the 100 breaststroke, assuring fireworks are to be expected. The competition between Milak and others is also eagerly anticipated given his great talent in both 100 fly and 200 fly.
Search for Top Female Performer
Over the years, Australian swimmers have been dominating the title of Female World Swimmer of the Year, with Emma McKeon, Ariarne Titmus, and Kaylee McKeown clinching the honor for consecutive years. The upcoming games, however, have brought exciting new possibilities as medal-winning athletes have the capability to shift a narrative. Swimmers from Australia, Canada, and the US with the potential to grab multiple Olympic gold medals are in the running. The competition is heightened as athletes like Kaylee McKeown, who could potentially win both backstroke events and the 200 IM, or Canadian teen sensation Summer McIntosh, have the medals within their reach.
Marchand’s Moment of Glory
Ahead of the upcoming games, the spotlight shines on Leon Marchand, tipped to ace the home-country Olympics. Deftly managing a clean sweep and already securing the world record in the 400 IM, Marchand is pegged to take gold in that event. But the talented athlete is not limited to just the 400 IM, he has secured the title of two-time world champion in the 200 IM. With odds in his favor, Marchand, the first Frenchman to win the honor of the World Swimmer of the Year, is expected to repeat the same in Paris. His impeccable performance will undoubtedly be the center of attention at the 2024 Olympics.
