Australian Sensation Sam Williamson Clinches Historic First Gold at Doha Worlds

At the ongoing World Aquatics Championships in Doha, amateurs and professionals are making waves alike. The Qatari capital witnessed several rising stars in action, while also offering a platform for rocking comebacks. The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist in the 4 x 100m mixed medley, Sam Williamson, has left his rivals upset. At the 50m breaststroke event today, he outclassed big names like Adam Peaty of Great Britain and Nic Fink of the US.

Bringing a good name to his nation, the 26-year-old Melbourne native made history by earning the first gold for Australia in Doha. A couple of hours back, in the semi-finals, he became the first Aussie to set a new national record. Besides, he also clocked in at his personal best time, a reason enough to celebrate.

Sam Williamson is on the rise

Beating a star-studded pool filled with speedsters, it was difficult for Williamson to imagine the title claim until he achieved it by a close margin. The Hamad Aquatic Centre spectators came to the edge of their seats when Peaty failed to give a podium finish. Placed on third, the breaststroke reigning champion made way for his Aussie contender.

Williamson clocked in at 26.32, and Nicolo Martinenghi, despite an array of winning strokes, fell short, thus finishing second. Joining the 100m breaststroke champ from the last day, Nic Fink, the Aussie felt the pressure initially. But his startling time left all of his rivals disappointed.

In the semi-finals, finishing with a 26.41, he earned his lifetime best. With Peaty still reigning on top, with his latest record-breaking feat, Williamson stands at 4th in the men’s 50m breast history. He successfully outdid Felipe Lima and Nicolo Martinenghi in the all-time fastest list. Before this, his Australian record stood at 26.51, which he defended by swimming 0.19s faster.

READ MORE: Doha World Aquatics Championships: Michael Andrew’s World Championship Dreams Shatter After Huge Upset at the SemiFinals

Adam Peaty’s run for gold has been dashed back-to-back. The one who issued, Unfortunately, success and especially sport is never a linear graph, wasn’t in good form. He was aware of it. ‘At peace’ with everything coming his way, Peaty has conquered drinking issues and poor mental health. On the other hand, Fink, still a top favorite in breaststroke events, will lock horns with Williamson soon.

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