The swimming events at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 were a spectacle of thrilling triumphs and record-breaking performances. Here are the top five moments that left an indelible mark on the poolside:
1. Titmus Triumphs Over Ledecky in the 400m Freestyle
The women’s 400m freestyle final was a highly anticipated showdown between Australia’s Ariarne Titmus and American swimming icon Katie Ledecky. Titmus, nicknamed ‘The Terminator,’ lived up to her moniker, overtaking Ledecky at the 150m mark and maintaining her lead until the finish. This victory cemented Titmus’s place as a force to be reckoned with, silencing those who questioned her ability to repeat her 2019 World Championships win over Ledecky.
2. Ledecky’s Undisputed Reign in Distance Swimming
While Ledecky may have lost her 200m and 400m freestyle Olympic titles to Titmus, she asserted her dominance in distance swimming. Just over an hour after finishing fifth in the 200m, she secured the first-ever women’s 1500m Olympic gold, solidifying her position as the reigning distance swimming queen. Her relief and joy were evident as she claimed her sixth Olympic gold medal for USA. Ledecky carried this momentum into the 800m final, defeating Titmus to add a seventh gold and become the most decorated female Olympic swimmer in distance swimming.
3. Dressel’s World Record-Breaking Performance in the 100m Butterfly
Caeleb Dressel faced immense pressure going into Tokyo 2020, with the American public expecting him to be their new Michael Phelps. However, Dressel silenced any comparisons with a phenomenal performance in the 100m butterfly, setting a new world record of 49.45. This victory cemented Dressel’s position as a champion in his own right. He ultimately finished with five Olympic gold medals, three of them in individual events.
4. Hafnaoui’s Shocking Gold in the Men’s 400m Freestyle
Ahmed Hafnaoui of Tunisia went to Tokyo 2020 with the goal of gaining experience for the Paris 2024 Games. In a stunning upset, he won the men’s 400m freestyle final, leaving even himself surprised. The Tunisian teenager, swimming from lane eight, touched home in 3:43.36, securing his nation’s first gold medal in the event and its fifth Olympic gold ever.
5. Great Britain’s Historic Gold in the 4x100m Mixed Medley Relay
The 4x100m mixed medley relay made its Olympic debut with a bang. Great Britain emerged victorious, securing the event’s first-ever gold medal with a new world record time of 3:37.58. Kathleen Dawson, Adam Peaty, James Guy, and Anna Hopkin showcased their individual talents, culminating in a collective triumph.
