A Special Thanks to Deep Blue Media for providing the images from this meet World Championships, Day Six Women’s Finals: Ruta Meilutyte Punctuates Superb Comeback Year With 50 Breaststroke Gold Even before the World Short Course Championships, Ruta Meilutyte had put together a season which made her a leading contender for Comeback Swimmer of the Year accolades. After what she delivered on Sunday night in Melbourne, her stake to that identity was further strengthened. In front from the start, the Lithuanian stormed to the gold medal in 28.50, the second-fastest time in history, and easily topped South African Lara van Niekerk, who set an African record in 29.09. American Lilly King was the bronze medalist in 29.11, as she narrowly edged China’s Tang Qianting, who set an Asian record of 29.22. Meilutyte firmly established herself as the favorite in the 50 breaststroke following a world-record blast of 28.37 during the semifinal round. More, her 2022 campaign included a pair of podium finishes at the long-course World Championships in Budapest, headlined by a gold in the 50 breast. There was also a European title in the 50 breast in Rome. Having retired from the sport for a stretch, her summer efforts defined her comeback to the sport as special. But Meilutyte enhanced her credentials Down Under, and her latest triumph was a comeback performance in itself. In her previous event in Melbourne, the 100 breaststroke, Meilutyte was disqualified for multiple dolphin kicks off the start, a ruling which bumped her out of the medals. In the 50 breaststroke, there was no hiccup. Known for her strong starts, Meilutyte shot off the blocks and surfaced with a clear advantage on the field. From that point, she continued to build her lead, with her .59 margin at the touch a sizable gap for an event that spans only two laps. “I have gained so much from this experience,” Meilutyte said. “I am happy that this is ending on a high note. The challenge is to maintain focus and the hunger as well. The 50 is always easy, for sure easier than the 100. It’s more fun. I am super proud of myself and I am looking back at this year as a huge learning curve. There were lots of challenges, but lots of growth as well. I have gained so much and grown so much. I am thankful for everyone around me. We are in this together. Although there are horrible things happening in this world, it has been a good year for me personally and I am very grateful. I am looking forward to what next year brings.” Photo Courtesy:
