The Swimming World Cup 2023 has wrapped up the first two meets in Berlin and Athens. As the stacked field of swimming legends made podium finishes and created World Cup records, new storylines have opened up with titillating potential for the remainder of the competition.
The competition has reached a climactic point as the swimmers head to Budapest for the final leg of the Swimming World Cup 2023. The Duna Arena will play host to extraordinary athletes, similar to 2018, 2019, and 2021 tours.
5 storylines to look out for in Budapest
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Triple crowns and maiden World titles will be up for grabs for many breakout performers and newcomers. Will the swimmers rise to the occasion once again, or will we see more upsets and new champions emerge?
Adam Peaty versus Qin Haiyang
Qin Haiyang has had a sweeping victory in breaststroke events at the 2023 Fukuoka World Championships. He revisited the same level of glory at the first leg of the Swimming World Cup 2023, matching his gold-medal winning time of 57.69 from Japan.
However, the record in the 100-meter breaststroke is still held by British swimmer Adam Peaty. Their showdown in the Hungarian capital will be one to watch as the ‘Chinese firecracker’ has steadily reduced his time to sub-58.5 at every plunge. Will this be enough to shatter the previous record and write history?
Will Kaylee McKeown break WR?
In Athens, Kaylee Mckeown posted another best time in the 100-meter backstroke. With that, she has occupied most of the spots on the top 10 best times in the event, with the exception of America’s Regan Smith.
She came close to her world record of 57.45 with a final time of 57.63. Now, the swimming world is anticipating her to create this World Cup’s first world record.
Will Michael Andrew Win Triple Coin in Swimming World Cup 2023?
American ace Michael Andrew has had an exceptional run at the Swimming World Cup 2023. Despite not charting at the top of the best performer’s list, he has made the podium in all the races he has participated in. Andrew won many medals, but his dominance lies in the 50-m backstroke. He won the title in both meets with a remarkable finish. Will his winning streak continue in Budapest?
Will the USA Swimmers beat Australia medal-wise?
The Aussies have put up a strong fight for the leadership position in the Swimming World Cup. After losing the top place at the 2023 Fukuoka World Championships, the Australian swimmers were relentless in their pursuit of victory. Now, they are almost neck and neck with the eternal rivals from Team USA. Will the Americans come out on top and solidify their dominance in the sport?
Will Qin Haiyang grab the 100K prize?
The winner of the Swimming World Cup 2023 will win the $100,000 cash prize. As per the rules, only three of the best scores of a swimmer will go towards their final points.
After occupying the top spot on the leaderboard after the Berlin and Athens meets, Qin Haiyang has a huge advantage over his competitors.
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The final meet of the Swimming World Cup 2023
The third and final leg of the Swimming World Cup 2023 is scheduled to start on October 20 in Budapest, Hungary. The athletes will once again do battle for podium finishes in the three days of the competition. In their competitive zeal, they might break more World Cup records. These swimmers have showcased a lot of fast swimming and broke 21 World Cup records. However, the world record has proven to be more elusive for these remarkable stars.
Read More: When, Where, and How to Watch World Aquatics Swimming World Cup 2023 – Leg 2 Athens?
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Many swimmers have also reset their personal best which is a good sign ahead of the World Aquatic Championships and Olympic Games next year. These exciting storylines are in the process of getting turned into reality. Stay tuned to see how these storylines pan out in Budapest.
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