Qin Haiyang Claims Gold, Young Talent Shines at World Aquatics Championships

Qin Haiyang secured China's first swimming gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. He achieved this feat in the men's 100-meter breaststroke final, completing the race in 58.23 seconds on Monday.

Qin, having qualified with the fastest time in the semifinals, initially trailed Italy's Nicolo Martinenghi, the Olympic champion, during the first half of the race. However, the current world champion demonstrated a strong finish, overtaking his competitor in the final meters to claim the win. Denis Petrashov of Kyrgyzstan took third place.

Qin commented that the victory was decided in the last ten meters, where technique became the deciding factor due to the fatigue of the swimmers. He believed his technique gave him the advantage.

In the women's 200m individual medley final, twelve-year-old Yu Zidi delivered an impressive performance. She finished fourth, narrowly missing the podium by a mere 0.06 seconds, after a strong freestyle finish. Canada's Summer McIntosh and Mary-Sophie Harvey won gold and bronze, while Alex Walsh of America secured silver.

Yu expressed her nervousness before the race but also her excitement to compete against top athletes. She was pleased with her result, exceeding her expectations.

In the women's 100m butterfly final, Zhang Yufei finished fourth with a time of 56.47 seconds, while fellow Chinese swimmer Yu Yiting placed eighth. Gretchen Walsh of America won gold in a championship record time. Belgium's Roos Vanotterdijk and Alexandria Perkins of Australia took silver and bronze, respectively.

During the evening's semifinals, China's Peng Xuwei qualified for the women's 100m backstroke final. Tang Qianting also advanced to the women's 100m breaststroke final, securing third place.