Doha, February 15, 2024, The Europe Today: Fresh off her historic triumph as Hong Kong’s first swimming world champion in the 200m event, Olympic silver medallist Siobhan Haughey continued her impressive performance by effortlessly securing a spot in the semi-finals of the women’s 100 metres freestyle in Doha on Thursday.
Haughey, who claimed silver in the 100m at last year’s event, confidently qualified third in the preliminary rounds behind Australian Shayna Jack and Fukuoka bronze medallist Marrit Steenbergen. Jack posted a swift time of 53.50 seconds, showcasing the competitive field in the women’s 100m freestyle.
World record holder Sarah Sjostrom, although entered in the 100m, opted not to swim. The Swedish veteran had previously indicated her decision not to compete in the event at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
With world champion Tatjana Schoenmaker absent from the Doha competition, American Kate Douglass emerged as a frontrunner in the women’s 200m breaststroke, qualifying for the semi-finals. Douglass, already a gold medallist in the 200m individual medley earlier in the week, aims to add another title to her name.
In the men’s events, Greece’s Apostolos Siskos secured the top seed (1:56.64) for the semi-finals of the men’s 200m backstroke. The field, while lacking defending champion Hubert Kos and former Olympic champion Ryan Murphy, promises competitive racing.
Finland’s Olympic bronze medallist Matti Mattsson demonstrated his prowess by leading the qualifying rounds for the men’s 200m breaststroke semi-finals with an impressive time of 2:09.15.
The evening session in Doha will be marked by world record anticipation as China’s Pan Zhanle competes in the 100m freestyle final. The teenager, who set a world record of 46.80 seconds in the relay lead-off swim, is poised to contend for his first individual world title.
American Carson Foster will also vie for his inaugural individual title as the top seed in the men’s 200 medley final, adding further excitement to the event. The ongoing competition in Doha continues to captivate swimming enthusiasts with remarkable performances and historic achievements.
