Josh Liendo, a talented Canadian swimmer, established a new world record in the men’s 100-metre butterfly during the Short-Course World Cup at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. He clocked an impressive time of 47.75 seconds, surpassing the previous record and earning a prize of $10,000 along with a total payout of $12,500 for his remarkable performance.
Record-Breaking Performance
Liendo’s explosive start set the tone for his swim. He expressed his satisfaction, noting that the outcome exceeded his expectations. “I saw world record,” he exclaimed, celebrating his achievement by slapping the water in excitement.
Other Event Highlights
During the same evening, Liendo triumphed in the 50-metre freestyle, posting a World Cup record time of 20.31 seconds. His achievements add to his accolades, having previously won silver in the 100 butterfly at the Paris Olympics, making history as the first Black Canadian swimmer to earn an Olympic medal.
- Gold: Josh Liendo (47.75 seconds)
- Silver: Ilya Kharun (48.35 seconds)
- Bronze: Ponti (48.38 seconds)
Notable Competitors and Results
The competition also saw Hungary’s Hubert Kos breaking the men’s 200-metre backstroke world record, finishing in 1:45.12. This event continued to showcase exceptional talent with a total purse of $1.2 million for participants.
Despite the intense competition, prominent Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh missed the event due to illness. Other notable swimmers, including Regan Smith and Gretchen Walsh, also delivered outstanding performances, each taking home a $10,000 prize.
Women’s Events
- 50-Metre Backstroke: Kaylee McKeown (25.35 seconds)
- 400 Freestyle: Lani Pallister (3:51.87, new World Cup record)
Pallister’s victory in the women’s 400 freestyle was particularly noteworthy, as she improved upon her own World Cup record. This marked her third consecutive win in the series.
Conclusion
The Short-Course World Cup runs until Saturday, promising more thrilling races and potential record-setting performances. Athletes from around the world continue to showcase their skills and resilience in this competitive environment.
