The penultimate day of swimming at the Chengdu FISU World University Games saw Poland’s Adela Piskorska set a Games record of 27.84 seconds in the women’s 50m backstroke.
Piskorska’s compatriot Paulina Peda, and Anya Mostek of the United States both earned silver medals after touching the wall in 28.48.
The 19-year-old winner broke the previous FISU standard of 27.89 set at Kazan 2013 by three-time Olympian Anastasia Zueva of Russia.
Qin Haiyang (China) prevailed in the men’s 50 breaststroke
An unexpected result is how the gold medallist described her feelings following her record performance.
“I can’t describe my feelings now. It is incredible and I did not expect to break the FISU record. I just did everything I could, and I don’t know how I did it. It’s a surprise,” said the Marie Curie-Sklodowska University student.
Making her FISU Games debut in Chengdu, Mostek studies applied mathematics at Harvard University, one of the world’s leading academic institutions. Combining sports and studies doesn’t stop her from competing at the top level.
“Even though it is hard work to balance swimming and studies, I enjoy it,” she said.
“It was a tight field, so I’m glad I was able to touch the wall second,” said the American about the 50 back final.
Chinese swimmers continued their domination on Sunday, winning three of six gold medals.
Qin Haiyang prevailed in the men’s 50 breaststroke, adding to his victories in the 100 and 200 breast earlier in the competition.
The triple champion was not surprised by his performance in the 50 and said he expected nothing less.
Jackson Jones (USA) reacts after winning the men’s 200m backstroke final
Qin, who set the 200 breaststroke world record at the world championships in Japan on July 28, will be looking for one more triumph on Monday when the FISU swim meet comes to a close.
“I’m happy to have completed this small goal. Next would be winning gold in the relay race,” said the Tongji University student about the men’s 4×100 medley.
Out of his three races to date in Chengdu, the 24-year-old felt that the 200 was the most physically challenging.
While the continuous events have been draining for him, he does get time to recover.
“Between the tight schedule, the recovery of physical fitness can only happen at night,” he said.
Qui is not the only swimmer who is exhausted by the number of races. His compatriot Li Bingjie, who won the women’s 800 freestyle on Sunday, also felt the same.
“I did a good job as usual. I feel a bit tired now because I swam several races today, and it was consuming my energy,” said the 19-year-old.
Competing in the women’s 400 free and the women’s 4×100 medley relay on Monday, the Tokyo 2020 Olympian hopes for the same result.
“I hope to do better in the next two races. In terms of training, I mainly practice myself through competition to improve myself and overcome shortcomings,” said the Shanghai Jiao Tong University student.
Other FISU Games champions crowned on Sunday in swimming were Poland’s Jakub Majerski (men’s 100 butterfly), China’s Liu Yaxin (women’s 100 fly), Jackson Jones of the United States (men’s 200 back) and the Japanese men, who came from behind to win the 4×200 freestyle relay.
WRITTEN BY ANNIKA SAUNUS AND NETRA. V, FISU YOUNG REPORTERS
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