On the dazzling night of Day 3 of swimming events at Doha’s World Aquatics Championships, a fresh breeze swept through the women’s 100 breaststroke, demanding a new contender to claim the spotlight.
Enter Tang Qianting, the rising star from China!
With a blend of skill and determination, the Chinese teen seized the gold medal, clocking in at 1:05.27, leaving her rivals trailing behind by a half-second- adding long course gold to the 100 breaststroke title she claimed at the World Short-Course Championships in 2021.
Her victory sealed China’s first World Championships gold in this event since 2003.
Tang surged ahead from the start and fended off a fierce challenge from Tes Schouten of the Netherlands, who clinched the silver. Meanwhile, Siobhan Haughey showcased her versatility by clinching the bronze, proving her prowess extends beyond the freestyle events.
She flew out the blocks to take an early lead, reaching the halfway point almost a body length ahead in 30.25 seconds with Haughey second.
From there, the 19-year-old increased her lead with perfect stroke rhythm to touch home first at 1:05.27. Schouten was sixth at the wall before delivering the fastest final 50 of the race in 34.36 to scoot up to third.
“There were some changes to the training and I made a big progress in terms of tactics and skills,” Tang said. “Honestly, I didn’t expect myself to win this race, because I wasn’t doing really well since the competition in Japan last year where I didn’t even make it to the semifinal. That’s why I wasn’t thinking of winning this time. I was thinking it wasn’t a big deal to lose since I have lost so many races.”
