Reviewing the Budapest 2024 World Swimming Championships (25m)

The 2024 Short Course World Championships in Budapest were absolutely electric. It was a meet for the history books, with an unprecedented 30 World Records shattered!

This week on the Propulsion Swimming Podcast, we examine Gretchen Walsh's incredible 11 World Records medals, and the massive prize money that could change the future of swimming. Is this sustainable? Plus, how Abbie Wood and Eva Okaro saved Aquatics GB's with 3 medals and a world junior record.

Gretchen Walsh

Leading the charge all week in Budapest was American Short Course sensation Gretchen Walsh, who claimed an incredible 11 World Records. Her performance was nothing short of legendary, solidifying her place among the world's swimming elite.

Does this single meet performance compare Michael Phelps’ Beijiing 08 exploits? We think not.

American Swimming on Fire

Walsh wasn't alone. Team USA put on a clinic, with Regan Smith rewriting the record books in all three backstroke events and Kate Douglass taking down the 200m Breast (2:12.50) and 200m IM (2:01.63) world marks.

Luke Hobson also shocked the world by breaking the 200m Free WR in a 1:38.61.

Speedsters rewrite history books.

Noe Ponti continued his impressive World Cup form with the Swiss star claiming multiple medals and World Records in the Butterfly and IM events.

Meanwhile, Jordan Crooks became the first man to break the iconic 20 seconds in the 50m Free (19.90).

Summer McIntosh

Summer continued her impressive 2024, adding World Records in the 400m Free (3:50.25), 200m Fly (1:59.32), and 400m IM (4:15.48). Her versatility and dominance across multiple events make her a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Scary to think she’s still young enough to set World Junior Records!

Prize Money Revolution

Beyond the records, World Aquatics made a huge splash with its record-breaking prize money payouts. We debate on the podcast about its financial sustainability. Is this the new normal, or just a temporary boost?

Aquatics GB Women show promise

Abbie Wood and Eva Okaro provided bright spots for the Aquatics GB team alongside a silver medal-winning Women’s Medley relay that included Angharad Evans and Freya Anderson.

Abbie secured individual Bronze in the 200m IM (2:02.75) and 400m IM (4:24.34) against some of the fastest fields we’ve ever seen, setting British Records in 200.

Okaro set a new World Junior Record in the 50m Freestyle (23.66). Given the success of NCAA athletes at the World SC Championships, Okaro’s imminent move to Texas is an enticing one for Aquatics GB fans!

Angharad Evans also claims another British Record in the 100m Breaststroke (1:03.45), this time in the 25m pool!