Fairweather Disqualified, Rebounds at Worlds

Erika Fairweather, the reigning world champion in the women's 400m freestyle, was disqualified for a false start during the heats at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, nullifying her chance to defend her title. Despite the setback, Fairweather rebounded by posting the fastest time in the 200m freestyle heats and ultimately qualifying third fastest for the final, making her a strong medal contender. The championships saw the absence of top competitors Ariarne Titmus, Summer McIntosh, and Katie Ledecky in the women's 200m freestyle events. In men's events, Italy’s Simone Cerasuolo led the 50m breaststroke prelims, while Tunisia’s Ahmed Jaouadi topped the 800m freestyle heats. Fairweather’s resilience after her disqualification has been widely noted. New Zealand’s Lewis Clareburt set a personal best in the 200m butterfly but narrowly missed the final.