Sjostrom clinches three gold medals to light up Doha pool
DOHA, October 05, 2017- Sarah Sjostrom's hat-trick of gold medals and a brace apiece by Chad Le Clos, Vladmir Morozov and Katinka Hosszu made the headlines as the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup got underway today with intriguing races at the Hamad Aquatic Center.
Sjostrom is leading the race for the women's title comfortably, but the world record holder from Sweden, showed no signs of complacency as she stormed to victories in 200m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 50m freestyle races following a stunning display.
"I was fast today and my performance was good," the Olympic champion said after completing her perfect 3-for-3 on the opening day in Doha.
“I am very happy on winning three gold medals. It's always fun to be in Doha and I am enjoying the contest."
Sjostrom made the intentions clear right from the beginning when she won the 200m freestyle, clocking 1:52.00 to overcome Dutch rival Femke Heemskerk.
She then touched 55.55 for a gold medal in 100m butterfly and wrapped up her perfect run with a victory in 50m freestyle in 23.28.
It was also a good day for World Cup series leader Chad Le Clos, who sealed his 26th butterfly victory.
The South African speedster also defeated rival Tom Shield of the USA on way to winning two gold medals from as many races he competed on the opening day.
He defeated Shields in 50m butterfly, touching 22.45 and the US star was confined to bronze medal in the event with Qibin Zheng of China, grabbing the silver medal.
“I am honoured to achieve this milestone for my country," Le Clos said about his milestone in the butterfly races.
“I am very happy to beat Tom (Shields). He won the last race (in Hong Kong) so it's good to win this title. I am tired but there will be no excuses as I look forward to more races."
It will not be a perfect meet for Hosszu like she enjoyed in Hong Kong, earning a perfect 6-for-6, however the Hungarian 'Iron Lady' fascinated her fans with an amazing comeback that lent her two gold medals and kept her in contention for cluster #2 win, despite a fiery show by Sjostrom on the inaugural day.
Hosszu had to content with silver medal in the 50m backstroke but the most decorated female in the World Cup series fought back perfectly to claim gold medals in 200m IM and 200m backstroke races with times of 2:05.29 and 2:02.06 respectively.
“I am super excited after today's races," said Hosszu, who received a roaring welcome from spectators.
“I am looking forward to three races on the final day. I love the atmosphere in Doha and the support for me here is amazing," she said.
Former world champion Morozov of Russia also looked in top form as he claimed gold medals in 100m freestyle and 100m IM. He clocked 46.87 for the 100m freestyle title and took 51. 38 for the medley triumph.
“I am happy the way I've performed today. I got the momentum right," he said after the win.
It was world champion Detti Gabriele of Italy, who again reigned supreme in men's 400m freestyle with a time of 3:42.57, beating rival Wojdak Wojciech of Poland.
Jamaican world champion Alia Atkinson also struck a gold medal after finishing the job in 1:04.21, which she felt was not very fast.
“I wanted to be faster but overall I am satisfied because I clinched the gold," she said before praising Doha.
“Doha is one of my favourite venues and I love to compete here," she said.
As many as 18 more finals will be decided today, the final day of the two-day meet which will bring curtains down to cluster #2 of the FINA World Cup series, which will be followed by the final cluster.
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