2025 World Swimming Championships: U.S. Breaks Women’s Medley Relay Record as Summer McIntosh Claims Fourth Gold Medal!

The United States women’s swimming team saved their best performance for the final event at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. They set a new world record in the 400 medley relay, finishing with a time of 3:49.34. This victory marked their ninth gold medal at the championships, surpassing Australia’s eight. Overall, the U.S. team secured a total of 29 medals, including 11 silver and 9 bronze. Australia, by comparison, earned 20 medals.

The competition wasn’t smooth sailing for the U.S. at first. Many swimmers fell ill with a stomach bug, leading to underwhelming performances and some withdrawals. This drew criticism from legends like Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. However, the team turned things around spectacularly, winning three gold medals on a Saturday and finishing strong with the relay record on Sunday.

Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh also made waves. She clinched her fourth gold medal in Singapore, winning the women’s 400m individual medley in 4:25.78, which is the fourth-fastest time ever recorded in that event. McIntosh aimed to match Phelps as one of only two swimmers to win five golds at a single world championship, but her quest ended when Katie Ledecky defeated her in the women’s 800m freestyle.

On the men’s side, Leon Marchand of France showcased his talent by winning gold in the men’s 400m individual medley with a time of 4:04.73. He previously set a world record in the 200 IM during these championships, making history by sweeping both events for three consecutive world championships.

In a bittersweet ending, American swimmer Lilly King finished fifth in the women’s 50m breaststroke, which was her final competitive race. Meanwhile, Bobby Finke secured bronze in the men’s 1500m freestyle, and the U.S. team came in third in the men’s 4×100 medley relay.

This year’s championships provided a striking contrast to past events. For instance, in previous competitions, American swimmers have dominated, often without facing such health challenges. The resilience displayed by the U.S. team this time reflects their ability to adapt and thrive, even under stress.

According to a recent survey by the Swimming Federation, fans have expressed a growing interest in the mental health of athletes, emphasizing the importance of support systems. Engaging with athletes about their experiences can foster a deeper connection and appreciation among fans.

As swimming continues to evolve, these athletes illustrate not only their physical prowess but also their mental toughness. Their journeys remind us that victories come not just from talent, but also from perseverance and teamwork.



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Gretchen Walsh, Kate Douglass, world championships, world record, World Aquatics Championships, Singapore, medley relay, Regan Smith, gold medal, world-record, Michael Phelps