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World Aquatics Championships Conclude Seto Shines with Three Medals Next Time: Fukuoka Hosts
The 18th FINA World Championships (hosted by FINA; official partners: Nikon, Yakult Honsha, Arena, Milsapool, Nongfu Spring, Omega, Samsung), held in Gwangju, South Korea from July 12th, concluded on the 28th of the same month.
(Photo: Fort Kishimoto)
The first edition of the championships was held in 1973, making this South Korean event the 18th edition.
During the event, competitions in swimming, artistic swimming, diving, high diving, water polo, and open water swimming took place. Over 2,500 athletes from a record 194 countries and regions participated. Held every two years, this event is the "world championship" for swimming and a "prelude to the Tokyo Olympics," featuring intense competition across 76 events in 6 disciplines.
China topped the gold medal count with 16, followed by the United States (15) and Russia (12).
■ Japanese Team
At this tournament, Japanese athletes won a total of 10 medals (2 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze).
In the early part of the competition, Yukiko Inui won bronze medals in both the Solo Technical Routine and Solo Free Routine in Artistic Swimming. The pair of Yumi Adachi and Atsushi Abe also won bronze medals in both the Mixed Duet Technical Routine and Mixed Duet Free Routine.
In the swimming events held in the latter half, Daiya Seto delivered a stellar performance, winning gold in the men's 200m and 400m individual medley, and silver in the 200m butterfly, securing a total of three medals and earning his spot on the Tokyo Olympic team. This double gold for a Japanese athlete marks the first time in 16 years since Kosuke Kitajima.
Additionally, Katsuo Matsumoto finished second in the men's 200-meter freestyle with a new Japanese record, becoming the first Japanese swimmer to win a medal in this event at both the Olympics and World Championships.
World record holder Ippei Watanabe won bronze in the men's 200-meter breaststroke. Anton Chupkov (Russia) broke Watanabe's world record to take gold.
For the women, Yui Ohashi's bronze medal in the 400-meter individual medley on the final day was the only medal won.
■ Official Partners
Companies like Yakult Holdings, an Official Partner of FINA since 2005, and Nikon, a partner since 2007, primarily displayed their company names at venues, on athletes' bibs, and swimming caps. They also conducted unique activities like operating service desks. Some partners set up shops and booths to promote themselves.
The next, 19th edition of the Games will be held in Fukuoka City from July 16 to August 1, 2021.
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