Overview

• The U.S. team finished off the podium in the men’s 4×200m relay, placed third in the men’s 4×100m freestyle, earned silver in both the women’s 4×200m and 4×100m relays, and missed the final in the mixed 4×100m medley for the first time.
• Ryan Lochte sparked debate by sharing a “funeral or new beginning” meme for U.S. swimming, a message Michael Phelps reshared as a potential wake-up call for the program.
• Katie Ledecky won the women’s 800m freestyle in 8:05.62, securing her seventh world title in the event and her 30th career medal at the World Championships.
• Australian Lani Pallister took silver and Canadian Summer McIntosh claimed bronze in the 800m final, highlighting the emergence of new global contenders.
• While the U.S. remains tied with Australia at five golds and 20 total medals, the relay shortcomings have intensified scrutiny of coaching and strategy as the meet concludes.