Hunter Armstrong Edges Out His Spanish Rival in a Shocking Finish at Doha World Aquatics Championships

The 2024 World Aquatics Championships served every element of thrill to its spectators. Continuing the thrill of the event, American swimmer Hunter Armstrong and Spanish swimmer Hugo Gonzalez put on a nail-biting performance in the 100-meter backstroke event.

The Doha audience was taken aback by the unexpected performances of both swimmers. Even though the gap between the finish times of individual swimmers in a swimming race is typically milliseconds, the margin between Armstrong and Gonzalez was a mere 0.02 seconds.

Hunter Armstrong took the reins in 100m backstroke

At the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, eight excellent swimmers lined up for the 100-meter backstroke final. They were all prepared for the action, and it was a gold or grit situation. Hugo Gonzalez and Hunter Armstrong were swimming side by side in lanes 3 and 4, and the whole pool was staring at their brilliant performances. All of the swimmers swam towards the first 50-meter mark as soon as the buzzer sounded.

In the first 50-meter swim, Gonzalez was unbeatable. When Armstrong reached the 50-meter mark, he was 0.08 seconds behind the Spanish swimmer. Both swimmers were side by side in a fierce backstroke fight throughout the last 50 meters.

Even the computer screen went berserk in the midst of the swim fight as the two swimmers battled it out. Despite this, Hunter Armstrong was the first to reach the 100-meter barrier; however, Gonzalez was just 0.02 seconds short, which led him to go with the silver. This victory was monumental for the Americans, similar to the Armstrong’s compatriot, who achieved glory yesterday when he ended a 17-year championship drought.

Nic Fink bringing back the glory to the Americans

When Nic Fink arrived in Doha, Qatar, he had his sights set on winning the 100-meter breaststroke gold medal. With this, he ended the 17-year title drought, but having British Olympic champion Adam Peaty there made it very difficult to assume a result. Some very good talents were also competing, but Fink’s resolve was unparalleled.

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Fink controlled the opening 50 meters with total focus and pinpoint accuracy, but Adam Peaty was right behind him. But the British swimmer was overtaken by Nicolo Martinenghi of Italy in the last half. Fink was in a mad dash to win the 100-meter breaststroke, which eventually ended the United States’ 17-year gold medal drought.

However, Peaty had to settle for bronze, while Nicolo Martinenghi came in second. With his victory, Fink’s name will go down in swimming history books as a legend. Following his victory, Fink added, “This means a lot, I’m really happy with the time, and obviously the place.”

Interestingly, as the third day came to its conclusion, Hunter Armstrong clinched another glory for the Team USA.

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