Editorial content for the 2023 World Aquatics Championships is sponsored by FINIS, a longtime partner of Swimming World and leading innovator of suits, goggles and equipment. Maxime Grousset set his second national 50 fly record of the day to head the prelims in 22.72 at the World Championships in Fukuoka. The Frenchman had blasted 22.74 en-route to the top seed for the evening semifinals, Grousset took down the record of 22.84, which was jointly held by Fred Bousquet and Florent Manaudou. Bousquet posted his time at the 2009 French Champs while Manaudou turned in his effort at the 2015 World Championships. After the prelims, the 24-year-old, who has won three medals across two World Championships, declared his intention to lower that time and come the evening, he was true to his rod. Grousset continued the fine form he’d shown at the French trials last month where he won the 100 free (47.62) and 100 fly – where he set a national record of 50.61 – as well as the 50 fly (23.06) with second in the 50 free in 21.78. In lane five will be Dare Rose of the USA, who came through at the death to take the first semi in 22.79 with Thomas Ceccon and Britain’s Jacob Peters next through, both in 22.92. Peters said: “I’m really happy with this morning’s swim, and then tonight’s goal was just more of the same, just repeat this morning’s swim and get back tomorrow. “I’ve qualified joint-third for the final, so anything is possible. We’ll just have to try to get a little bit faster and see what happens. “I knew I was in form, but it’s great to have the results to prove it on day one, it’s done great for my confidence going forward. “We’ve just got to see what happens for the rest of the meet – it doesn’t just happen, I’ve got to prepare for tomorrow and prepare for the rest of the week.” Ceccon – who went on to win silver with the Italian men’s 4×1 free – said through the national federation: “I entered race mode. I shaved my beard and shaved my legs. “I went 47m all in one breath. Satisfied with the time and if I did another stroke, which is what I had to do, I would have gone down again. “I struggled a bit at the start, then I recovered but in the final I want to improve it. I’m happy, qualifying for the world final is never a given”. Ben Proud – the 2017 world champion – made it safely through while Simon Bucher won a swimoff against Dylan Carter to take the final spot, 23.10 to 23.26. Proud reclaimed the Commonwealth title last year in Birmingham, four years after being DQd at Gold Coast and eight after gold in Glasgow. While still enjoying the fly, the 50 free is his laser focus as he told Swimming World: “Doing the fly – it’s a fun event – but for me I very much put the fly into a box and on to a shelf last year. “That Commonwealth Games for me was the perfect ending to my career in the fly and now it’s there for fun: I still love it but the performances won’t be refined and the best. Freestyle is my focus.” None of the medallists from last year’s World Championships were entered in the event. While reigning champion Caeleb Dressel did not qualify at the U.S. Trials, runnerup Nicholas Santos of Brazil has since retired. Meanwhile, bronze medalist Michael Andrew won the 50 fly at the U.S. Trials, but roster limits left him home.
World Championships, Day One Semi-Finals: Maxime Grousset Sets Second French 50 Fly Record Of The Day
