World Championships, Day One Prelims (Women): Kate Douglass Opens 200 IM Title Chase in Impressive Fashion
One of the most unique editions of the World Championships got underway on Sunday in Doha. Four women’s events were contested – the 200 individual medley, 100 butterfly, 400 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay. The World Champs debuted in 1973, and this version is the first to be held in an Olympic year. Here is a breakdown of what unfolded during the opening session of the women’s prelims.
200 Individual Medley
The heavy favorite to claim gold, American Kate Douglass cruised to the top time of prelims in the 200 medley. The reigning world champ from last summer in Fukuoka, Douglass delivered an opening swim of 2:10.01 to grab the top seed for the semifinals by nearly a second over Canadian star Sydney Pickrem (2:10.97). Douglass is expected to challenge for gold in several events in Doha and her debut in the Middle East did nothing to change that scenario.
Dutchwoman Marrit Steenbergen checked in with the third-fastest time of the morning, going 2:11.45 to place just ahead of China’s Yu Yiting (2:11.57). Yu was the bronze medalist in the event last summer while Steenbergen finished seventh.
