More Sports
Swimming: Marchand Claims Gold As McIntosh Wins Third Title
French star Leon Marchand claimed the men’s 200m medley title at the World Aquatics Championships, as Summer McIntosh continued her bid for history with a third gold.
Marchand, who smashed the world record in the event during Wednesday’s semi-finals, again went under Ryan Lochte’s previous 14-year mark as he triumphed in one minute 53.68 seconds in Singapore.
The 23-year-old finished ahead of American Shaine Casas, who took silver in 1:54.30, and Hungary’s Hubert Kos (1:55.34). Britain’s Duncan Scott missed out on the podium by less than a second (1:56.32).
“I felt so excited yesterday that I couldn’t sleep,” said Marchand, who will also race in the 400m medley.
“So I think I lost a lot of energy last night, but it was my goal to break the record, so I was really happy.”
Canada’s McIntosh recorded the second-fastest performance of all time in winning her third gold of the championships in the women’s 200m butterfly
The 18-year-old’s time of 2:01.99 took her close to the mark of 2:01.81 set by China’s Liu Zige in 2009, which is the last remaining record from swimming’s supersuit era.
McIntosh finished a full three seconds clear of American Regan Smith to add to her 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley triumphs in Singapore. She remains on course to equal US great Michael Phelps’ record of five individual titles at a single world championships.
“I know that I messed up the last 15 metres of my race,” said McIntosh, who will aim for further golds in the 400m individual medley and 800m freestyle.
“Overall, happy with the time and a PB, but I didn’t reach my goal tonight.”
Australia’s Elizabeth Dekkers completed the podium, denying Chinese 12-year-old sensation Yu Zidi a place on the podium as she finished fourth.
Briton Emily Richards placed seventh (2:07.99), ahead of Ireland’s Ellen Walshe (2:08.34)
Another Briton Lauren Cox finished fifth in women’s 50m backstroke in 27.36 secs, as American Katharine Berkoff won gold in 27.08.
Matthew Richards was eighth in the men’s 100m freestyle (47.74), where Romania’s David Popovici, 20, added to his 200m title in a championship-record time of 46.51.
Great Britain’s quartet of Freya Colbert, Freya Anderson, Abbie Wood and Leah Schlosshan were fifth in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay in 7:51.87, as Australia took gold (7:39.35) ahead of the United States and China.
Bbc.com
-
World Cup 202613 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202614 hours agoJude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202614 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202614 hours agoTed Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202614 hours agoKylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
World Cup 20266 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
-
Sports Analysis7 hours agoAndoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Other News14 hours agoTony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard