2024 WORLD AQUATIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
- February 11th – February 18th, 2024
- Doha, Qatar
- LCM (50m)
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- Day 1 Prelims Recap | Day 1 Finals Recap
- Day 2 Prelims Recap | Day 2 Finals Recap
- Day 3 Prelims Recap | Day 3 Finals Recap
- Day 4 Prelims Recap | Day 4 Finals Recap
- Day 5 Prelims Recap | Day 5 Finals Recap
- Day 6 Prelims Recap | Day 6 Finals Recap
The semi-finals of the women’s 50m breaststroke unfolded tonight at the World Championships and Tang Qianting of China made her presence known in record-setting fashion.
Racing in semi #1, 19-year-old Tang ripped a new personal best and Asian record of 29.80.
Tang’s time overtook her own previous unofficial Asian record of 29.92 notched at the Asian Games.
Entering those Games in Hangzhou, Tang’s career-quickest rested at the 30.08 she logged in the prelims of the event at the 2023 World Championships. There in Fukuoka, she ultimately placed 6th in a final result of 30.22.
Tang’s 29.80 PB now bumps her up the all-time performers ranking to take over slot #7, tied with retired American Jessica Hardy.
Top 10 Women’s LCM 50 Breast Performers All-Time
- Ruta Meilutyte (LTU) – 29.16
- Benedetta Pilato (ITA) – 29.30
- Lilly King (USA) – 29.40, 2017
- Yuliya Efimova (RUS) – 29.52 2013
- Molly Hannis (USA) – 29.71, 2018
- Lara van Niekerk (RSA) – 29.72, 2022
- Tang Qianting (CHN) – 29.80, 2024 & Jessica Hardy (USA) – 29.80 2009
- –
- Lydia Jacoby (USA) – 29.81, 2023
- Arianna Castiglioni (ITA) – 29.86, 2022
However, Tang, who already took 100m breaststroke gold earlier in these World Championships, has her work cut out for her to try to land atop the podium.
Lithuanian world record holder Ruta Meilutyte fired off a semi swim of 29.42 while Italy’s Benedetta Pilato lurks as the 3rd-seeded swimmer in 29.91.