Lithuanian swimmer Ruta Meilutyte delivered a spectacular performance on the final day of the World Aquatics Championships, setting her second world record in as many days to win gold in the women’s 50-metre breaststroke.
Meilutyte clocked a stunning 29.16 seconds, demolishing the previous world record of 29.30, which she had jointly held with Italy’s Benedetta Pilato. The record-breaking swim came just 24 hours after she equaled the mark in the semi-finals, signaling her dominant form ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I’m happy,” said Meilutyte. “I definitely felt it was possible. I’m enjoying the process along the way.”
The 26-year-old touched the wall a commanding 0.78 seconds ahead of American Lilly King, who took silver. Pilato secured the bronze medal in 30.04 seconds.
In another highlight of the day, Swedish star Sarah Sjoestroem added to the record-breaking spree by winning gold in the women’s 50m freestyle, just a day after breaking her own world record with a time of 23.61 seconds in the semi-finals. The 29-year-old reaffirmed her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The championships in Fukuoka concluded with a flurry of record-breaking performances, offering a thrilling preview of what the world can expect in Paris next year.
