Jamaica’s Alia Atkinson created history this morning becoming the first swimmer to win three consecutive World Championship gold medals in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke.
The double world record holder etched her name in the record books after winning a close 100 breast final ahead of American Katie Meili at the 14th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Hangzhou China.
The 30-year old touched first in 1:03.51, just a tenth ahead of Meili (1:03.63).
Atkinson and Meili were well ahead of the rest of the field, with bronze going to Australian Jessica Hansen (1:04.61).
A fantastic start from Alia Atkinson put her in control but Katie Meili came fighting back at the end of the race. Full live coverage from Hangzhou is available on ? https://t.co/bEozhdW5qV #FINAHangzhou2018 pic.twitter.com/h0sVAjhems
— FINA (@fina1908) December 15, 2018
Victory sees Atkinson improving her medal haul to three after she won gold in the women’s 50m breaststroke and bronze in the women’s 100m individual medley respectively.
The 30 year old who was making her 6th appearance at the World Championships has also won 9 medals overall (4 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze).
Her haul includes three 100m breaststroke gold medals, one gold and three silver in the 50m breaststroke and 2 bronze in the 100m individual medley.