After securing New Zealand’s first world title, swimmer Erika Fairweather is in position to claim a second after setting the fastest time in the 200m freestyle at the World Aquatic Championships in Doha today.
On Monday, the 20-year-old won the 400m title and has set the pace to do the double with an impressive effort in the semifinals.
Fairweather swam the fastest semifinal time of 1 min 55.75, edging out Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey. Australia’s Shayna Jack recorded the third-best time. Fairweather has a personal best of 1 min 55.44, in the 200m event.
Reigning world champion Mollie O’Callaghan is not competing at the event. She set a world record of 1 min 52.85 to win last year’s title in Fukuoka. Fellow Australian Ariarne Titmus and Canadian Summer McIntosh, who rounded out the podium a year ago, are also not swimming in Doha.
Compatriot Eve Thomas finished fourth in the 1500m final with a personal best of 16 minutes 09.43, 22.44 seconds back from winner Simona Quadrella of Italy.
