DOHA, Qatar – Sydney Pickrem returned to the podium at the World Aquatics Championships, taking silver in the women’s 200-m individual medley Monday.
Pickrem’s time of 2:08.56 set a new personal best on Day 2 of the eight-day championships at the Aspire Dome. American Kate Douglass, who took gold in 2:07.05.
It’s the fifth career medal at long-course worlds for the two-time Olympian, tying Brent Hayden for ninth all-time among Canadians, but her first since 2019.
“It definitely means a lot. Someone was asking me today how many worlds I’ve been to and this is my sixth that I’ve qualified, but fifth that I’ve raced in,” said the 26-year-old, who has been open about her mental health struggles after withdrawing from last year’s worlds. “I feel really grateful for that. And long course I’ve never gotten higher than a bronze so to walk away with a silver feels pretty good.”
Pickrem will swim the 200-m breaststroke Thursday, giving her an opportunity to match her two individual medals from the Gwangju 2019 worlds.
“The progression is not linear,” she added. “I was freaking out before today. So I just feel really grateful for my support system that’s been by my side. I’m so looking forward to watching for the next day or two then getting back on the blocks soon.”
Ashley McMillan of the High Performance Centre – Ontario finished eighth in her first world final in a time of 2:13.48.
“I’m really happy to get a chance to be in that final, so that’s something I’m taking away. But it definitely was a disappointing swim personally. I’m ready to get back to work and work on correcting that for Trials,” said the 19-year-old from Penticton, B.C.
Two other Canadian women got the job done in Monday’s semifinals to advance to finals Tuesday.
Ingrid Wilm, who trains at Calgary’s Cascade Swim Club, was the 2nd-fastest qualifier in the women’s 100-m backstroke. The 25-year-old’s time of 59.55 won her semi and was behind only American Claire Curzan, who earned Lane 4 with a time of 58.73 in the other.
“I was hoping for a faster time but for me racing is always the highest form of training. It’s good to know that I need to work on my power a little bit,” said Wilm, who finished fifth at last year’s worlds.
“I’m going to sleep, eat, sleep, eat and work on some technique tomorrow morning,” she said.
Sophie Angus swam a personal best 1:06.66 in her 100-m breaststroke semifinal to advance to Tuesday’s final. The 24-year-old High Performance Centre – Ontario swimmer was seventh at the turn but dug in on the final few strokes to finish fourth in her heat and earn the 8th final spot by just .04 seconds.
“I know that whole field goes out pretty fast and that’s not usually my strong suit. So I just went into it knowing if I can stay close to them on the first 50 I have the back end speed to catch up. Then just working on finishing those last three strokes into the finish. I got my hand on the wall so I’m really happy with it,” Angus said.
It’s her first time under 1:07 from a flat start after breaking that barrier to help Canada to medley relay bronze at last year’s worlds.
“It’s amazing. I haven’t gotten a really good rested final swim since (2023) Trials (last April). I’ve known I had it in me, I just haven’t been in the right situation until now. I’m really excited to break that barrier for the first time,” Angus said.
More than 2,600 athletes representing 201 countries and the World Aquatics Refugee Team
are in Doha to compete in 75 medal events across six aquatic sports.
Live streaming and extensive coverage will run through Sunday on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem. See the full streaming and broadcast schedule here.
Fans can also follow along on Instagram and X through @CBCOlympics and @SwimmingCanada for highlights throughout the competition.