Canadian Maggie Mac Neil raced to a silver medal in the women’s 100-metre butterfly at the World Aquatics Championships on Monday in Fukuoka, Japan.
Mac Neil, the reigning Olympic champion, finished in a time of 56.45 seconds.
China’s Zhang Yufei captured the gold medal in 56.12, while American and 2022 world champion Torri Huske earned bronze with a time of 56.61.
Mac Neil, who grew up in London, Ont., was behind the leaders but used a powerful turn and kick at the 50m mark to propel into the lead.
Mac Neil looked strong with about 25m remaining, but started to fade a little bit, allowing Zhang the time to touch the wall in first.
“The last 25 [metres] hurt so bad,” Mac Neil admitted to CBC Sports reporter Devin Heroux. “It’s always good to be back on the world stage. Clearly I have work to but I’m exiting [for future competitions]. Hopefully there’s some things to work on for next year. I’m more happy with second place than the time.”
Mac Neil won the 2019 world title in this event Doha, Qatar.
She opted out of the individual events at the world championships in 2022 for mental health reasons, participating only in relays.
WATCH l Mac Neil earns silver medal:
The Canadian swimmer led down the stretch but had to settle for silver in the 100-metre butterfly.
Canadians Masse, Wilm advance to 100m backstroke final
Two Canadians will be competing in the women’s 100m backstroke final on Tuesday.
Kylie Masse and Ingrid Wilm both advanced with strong performances in the semifinals.
Masse, 27, of Lasalle, Ont., finished fourth fastest in 59.06. Calgary’s Wilm, 25, managed to qualify in sixth in 59.35.
Masse has had a decorated swimming career. A four-time Olympic medallist, Masse is a three-time world champion, including 100m gold medals in 2017 and 2019.
American Regan Smith posted the day’s fastest time of 58.33.
Masse and Wilm will swim in the final at 7:51 a.m. ET, which will be available live on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem.
In water polo, the Canadian women failed in their bid to reach the semifinals, losing 17-10 to the Netherlands.
Another gold for China
Qin Haiyang roared to victory in the men’s 100m breaststroke.
Qin set the second-fastest time in history behind Britain’s world record holder Adam Peaty, finishing in 57.69, with a three-way tie for the silver as Nicolo Martinenghi, Arno Kamminga and Nic Fink were all locked on 58.72.
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