Gold Medalist Swimmers Set to Compete at World Cup in Shanghai

The Swimming World Cup in Shanghai, set to commence on October 18, 2024, marks the return of elite swimmers to international competition just weeks after the conclusion of the Paris Olympics. This event is the first of three stops on this year’s World Cup circuit, which will also take place in Incheon, South Korea, and Singapore.

Among the notable athletes participating in this prestigious event are six gold medalists from the recent Olympic Games, including France’s Leon Marchand, Australia’s Kaylee McKeown, China’s Pan Zhanle, the United States’ Kate Douglass, and Italy‘s Thomas Ceccon and Nicolo Martinenghi.

Leon Marchand, celebrated for his exceptional performance and dominant presence in yard races during his college career, will compete in the 25-meter course for the first time. His impressive achievement of four gold medals in Paris has set high expectations for his performance in the World Cup circuit.

Kaylee McKeown, who triumphed over American swimmer Regan Smith in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke events in Paris, will once again face her rival in Shanghai. McKeown successfully defended her Olympic backstroke titles for the second consecutive time, although Regan Smith concluded the summer with the long course world record in the 100-meter backstroke.

The Chinese delegation, as the host nation, will participate prominently, bringing a strong contingent of its top swimmers to the championship. Pan Zhanle, notable for his remarkable victory in the men’s 100-meter freestyle and for anchoring the 400 medley relay team to gold, will be among the standout competitors. The Chinese team also includes breaststroke world-record holder Qin Haiyang and other Olympic medalists.

The United States’ team is led by Kate Douglass, the recent 200-meter breaststroke champion from Paris, complemented by swimmers like Kieran Smith, Michael Andrew, and various other experienced athletes. Italy’s Thomas Ceccon and Nicolo Martinenghi, both gold medal winners in their respective events, extend the Italian presence at the meet.

In addition to individual stars from Great Britain, Hong Kong, and several other countries, the World Cup will feature competitive events due to the presence of many accomplished swimmers seeking to make their mark on the short course meters this year.