{"id":533800,"date":"2023-07-26T20:37:59","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T03:37:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=533800"},"modified":"2023-07-27T02:16:01","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T09:16:01","slug":"world-championships-day-five-prelims-team-usa-takes-top-seed-in-800-freestyle-relay-aussie-targeting-wr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/world-championships-day-five-prelims-team-usa-takes-top-seed-in-800-freestyle-relay-aussie-targeting-wr\/","title":{"rendered":"World Championships, Day Five Prelims: Team USA Takes Top Seed in 800 Freestyle Relay; Aussies Targeting WR"},"content":{"rendered":"

World Championships, Day Five Prelims: Team USA Takes Top Seed in 800 Freestyle Relay; Aussie Targeting WR<\/strong><\/p>\n

The United States and Australia did what was necessary during prelims of the 800-meter freestyle relay at the World Championships, qualifying one-two for the evening final. The United States claimed the top seed in 7:46.36, thanks to the foursome of Leah Smith<\/strong> (1:57.78), Erin Gemmell<\/strong> (1:55.65), Alex Shackell<\/strong> (1:56.05) and Anna Peplowski<\/strong> (1:56.88). Gemmell and Shackell particularly excelled, the teenagers showing the promise they possess.<\/p>\n

Australia followed Team USA\u2019s triumph in the first heat by winning the second prelim in 7:47.84. The Dolphins turned to the quartet of Madison Wilson<\/strong> (1:57.06), Lani Pallister<\/strong> (1:56.83), Brianna Throssell<\/strong> (1:56.31) and Kiah Melverton<\/strong> (1:57.64).<\/p>\n

Plenty of lineup changes are expected at night, which is typically the case with relay squads. The United States will send Katie Ledecky<\/strong> and Bella Sims<\/strong> in action, with Claire Weinstein<\/strong> an option as well. As for the Australians, Mollie O\u2019Callaghan<\/strong> and Ariarne Titmus<\/strong> will bring massive firepower to the relay, while Shayna Jack<\/strong> \u2013 riding a hot relay hand this week \u2013 could bring a boost, too.<\/p>\n

Australia will be favored for the gold medal and to break the world record of 7:39.29, which the Aussies posted at last year\u2019s Commonwealth Games. O\u2019Callaghan broke the world record in the 200 freestyle on Wednesday night while Titmus registered the No. 3 performance of all-time.<\/p>\n

Also advancing to the final were Great Britain (7:51.13), China (7:51.55), the Netherlands (7:53.52), Canada (7:54.73), Hungary (7:55.26) and Brazil (7:56.14).<\/p>\n