SWC 2016, Beijing: Morozov, Rie best swimmers in Beijing

Iron Lady Katinka Hosszu (HUN) continued her winning streak with four more gold medals for a total of 7 titles, while Vladimir Morozov of Russia and Olympic champion Rie Kaneto of Japan were named the Best Male and Female Swimmers of the FINA/airweave Swimming World Cup in Beijing, taking place Saturday October 1.

Vladimir Morozov snatched the men's 100m breast champion in 56.33, beating Felipe Lima of Brazil (56.86) and Yan Zibei of China (57.30). He made a big splash in the 50m free too (21.06), and was followed by Benjamin Proud of Britain (21.33) and Katsumi Nakamura of Japan (21.54).

"I am very happy with my result here in Beijing, especially the 100m breaststroke that probably broke my national record. I like breaststroke right now because I swim my best time. I will have the same event in next stops, maybe adding 50m butterfly. It is a good training to take all the World Cup races to prepare for the Short Course World Championships in December,” the Russian star said.

“I don't want to rest after the Olympic Games because I can keep a strong mind set in the races and that is the reason I broke the world records in the first two legs. I can improve myself in different races and keep improving. I like the short course and my turns are my specialty," Morozov added.

Olympic champion Rie Kaneto of Japan was a class higher above the rest of the field, touching home first in her favorite race – the 200m breast (2:15.91). Yuliya Efimova of Russia took silver in 2:19.46 and Breeja Larson (USA) bronze in 2:22.67

Three-time Olympic champion Hosszu took victory in 100m back (56.56), ahead of Daryna Zevina of Ukraine (57.35) and Chen Jie of China 57.61. Her second gold medal came in the 400m free (4:01.65), edging China's Dong Jie by 0.15 and her third gold of the day in the 100m IM 58.10. The Hungarian was followed by Katie Meili of USA (59.50) and Alia Atkinson (JAM, 59.60). Hosszu dominated the 400m IM in 4:33.60, and added two bronze medals in 50m fly and 100m free.

"I am really happy and honored as many swimmers here said I am their role models. It is always my goal to try to motivate more people with my fighting spirit. I am happy I am able to do that," said Hosszu after she accepted to take photos and sign posters for local fans first.

Olympic champion Jeanette Ottesen (DEN) claimed two golds in the women's 100m free (51.93) and 50mfly (25.16).

"I am tired but I think I am getting better the more I race. I love short course and try to have fun in racing. I always enjoy competing in Beijing since I was here for the Olympic Games back in 2008 and finished fifth in 200m free when I was 20," Ottensen declared.

Alia Atkinson was the fastest in women's 50m breast in 29.15, Efimova came second in 29.66 and Katie Meili (USA ) third 29.92.

"The determination kept me going in the World Cup races after the Rio Olympic Games. Since I am more competitive in the short course, I was very excited to compete at the World Cup as it started soon this year after the Olympic Games. In short course races, I can do more events," Atkinson said.

Chad Le Clos of South Africa showed his supremacy in the 100m fly 49.35, as he did since the beginning of the Series in August, beating Takeshi Kawamoto of Japan (50.55) and Pavel Sankovich of Belarus (50.64).

Xu Jiayu (CHN), Olympic runner-up and winner in the 100m backs on Friday, added another title in the 200m back in 1:51.50, while Bobby Hurley of Australia came second (1:53.16) and Daiya Seto of Japan third (1:54.41). Xu was second in the 50m back.

China’s Wang Shun, bronze medallist in, led from the start till the end to take the gold medal in the 200m IM in 1:51.63, ahead of Philip Heinzt of Germany (1:52.08) and Josh Prenot of USA (1:53.54).

"I was satisfied with my results since I think I am more a mid-distance swimmer than a sprinter or 400m. This was my first win in the World Cup. I will prepare for the Asian Championships," Wang said.

China also took three more golds as Qiu Ziao won the men's 1500m free in 14:35.45; Liu Siyu claimed victory in the women's 200m fly in 2:05.44 and finally China won the mixed 4X50m free relay in 1:31.62.

In other men's events, Myles Brown of South Africa topped the 200m free in 1:43.60; Pavel Sankovich of Belarus stormed home first in the 50m back (23.18), beating Xu Jiayu of China (23.31) and Bobby Hurley of Australia (23.38).

The FINA/airweave World Cup will next stop in Dubai on October 4-5 for the second leg of the cluster.