NEW DELHI: In a remarkable achievement, Australia's Mollie O'Callaghan scripted history on Friday by becoming the first woman ever to complete a double in the 100m and 200m freestyle events at the swimming world championships in Fukuoka, Japan.
The 19-year-old showcased her prowess in the pool, delivering a strong finish to successfully defend her 100m title.
She touched the wall in an impressive time of 52.16 seconds, outpacing Siobhan Haughey of Hong Kong (52.49) and Marrit Steenbergen from the Netherlands (52.71).
Earlier in the week, O'Callaghan had already secured the 200m title, setting a world record in the process, and beating her teammate Ariarne Titmus.
Although she came into the championships with the simple intention of having fun, O'Callaghan's exceptional performances have transformed her into a history-maker. With two individual world titles to her name, she has etched her name in the annals of swimming greatness.
O'Callaghan's double victory in the 100m and 200m freestyle events marks a remarkable milestone in her career, and her name will be forever remembered in the sport's record books.
"I'm not going to lie, it's such a weird feeling," she said.
"I didn't even know that no woman had done that and to be the first is just incredible.
"There are no words to explain it -- I'm just so thrilled," she added.
It was O'Callaghan's fourth gold of the competition, having also been part of Australia's title-winning women's 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relay teams.
Both of those titles were won in world record times.
O'Callaghan said that her teammates had made the experience "so much easier".
"Going into previous meets, I was just so nervous all the time and worrying," she said.
"This is the first time that I've actually felt quite calm and just been enjoying every little bit."
Emma McKeon, the 100m freestyle Olympic champion, finished fifth in a time of 52.83.
O'Callaghan edged McKeon at the Australian trials last month, coming home in the fastest time of the year.
It was the second time in as many races that the teenager had taken down her more illustrious teammate, having also beaten her in April.
"I'm just trying to keep my emotions intact and keep it controlled at the moment," said O'Callaghan.
"I'm just taking it day by day and I haven't really thought about everything."
Second-place Haughey also won silver in the event at the Tokyo Olympics.
(With AFP inputs)
