Team USA has had an uneven track record in the Swimming World Cup 2023 so far. However, the second leg of the World Cup proved to be a turning point for the team. Nic Fink who faced disappointment in Berlin, earned the silver in the 100-meter breaststroke. Additionally, Michael Andrew has kept up his dominant performance winning the silver in the 100-meter butterfly on October 14. That same day, Katie Grimes also added another medal to the U.S. tally but it was more special than the other two.
The American fans were eagerly waiting for their favorite athlete to take the center spot on the podium. They had to wait for the Women’s 400-meter medley when Katie Grimes answered their prayers with a unique performance.
Katie Grimes wins gold in the Swimming World Cup 2023
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The 17-year-old prodigy has had an impressive run in the Swimming World Cup 2023. On Saturday, she added one more feather to her cap by winning the 400-meter medley gold. According to World Aquatics, she finished the difficult race in 4:38:74 seconds. She surpassed her Japanese rivals, Waka Kobori and Ageha Tanigawa who took the second and third position respectively. Waka Kobori touched the wall at 4:39.55 while her teammate did it at 4:40.23.
Grimes earned 872 Aqua Points for her remarkable swim, solidifying her position as one of the top contenders in the Swimming World Cup. Katie Grimes exacted revenge for her harrowing loss in the 200-meter backstroke in Berlin. The talented swimmer finished second in the race and her Australian rival Kayle Mckeown took the crown. Mckeown also made the world record in the race with a 2:06.47 finish. Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Katie Grimes has now become a threat to her rivals from the South.
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Katie Grimes’ speed unnerves rivals
Most athletes competing in the Swimming World Cup 2023 are doing so to earn the qualifying score for the 2024 Paris Olympics. But Katie Grimes has already acquired a spot in the Olympics team. She became the first American athlete to earn herself a spot in the Olympics by virtue of her incredible race in the 2023 Fukuoka World Championship. Grimes swam the open-water 10km course and earned a bronze medal.
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She wanted to keep the momentum running and therefore participated in the Swimming World Cup 2023. With her electrifying 4:38 finish in the 400-meter medley, she has definitely accomplished her goal and will look to keep her momentum at the Paris Olympics 2024 as well.
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