The Paris Olympics saw an unexpected change in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley that stunned fans and athletes. What started as a great double podium finish for Team USA ended in disappointment when officials disqualified Alex Walsh after the race. This surprise not changed the medal count but also showed how small details and strict rules shape competitive swimming.
Who Got Disqualified and Why?
Kate Douglass and Alex Walsh seemed to win second and third places in this tough event. This would have made the U.S. swimming team proud adding two more medals to their big total at the Paris Olympics. But the joy didn’t last long.
Officials launched an investigation into Walsh’s race examining her switch from backstroke to breaststroke. The probe uncovered that Walsh didn’t complete the backstroke on her back as the rules demand. “She rolled beyond vertical during the turn, which breaks the rules in competitive swimming.”
Swimming expert Rowdy Gaines clarified, “She rolls over…she went past vertical, that’s the problem. The head has to come back and cannot go past that 90-degree mark. From that angle, that looks like that’s the right call.“
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How This Changes the Medal Count
Walsh’s disqualification caused a big change in the medal rankings. Kate Douglass got the silver medal finishing in 2:06.92. This put her just behind Canada’s Summer McIntosh, who won gold with an Olympic record time of 2:06.56. Australia’s Kaylee McKeown moved up to take the bronze.
This sudden switch showed how crucial accuracy and rule-following are in swimming. It also revealed the emotional ups and downs that athletes and fans go through in these high-pressure events.
FAQs
What was the reason for Alex Walsh’s disqualification?
Officials disqualified Alex Walsh because she didn’t end the backstroke on her back when switching to breaststroke. This broke swimming rules.
Who won the gold medal in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley?
Summer McIntosh from Canada grabbed the gold medal. She clocked in at 2:06.56 setting a new Olympic record.
How did the disqualification affect Team USA’s medal tally?
The disqualification stopped Team USA from getting two spots on the podium. Kate Douglass took home the silver, but Alex Walsh’s disqualification left them with just one medal.
What are the rules regarding turns in swimming?
Swimming has specific rules about finishing strokes in certain positions. For backstroke to breaststroke transitions, swimmers must stay on their backs until they touch the wall.
How common are disqualifications in competitive swimming?
Disqualifications happen often in competitive swimming. They can result from several rule breaks such as false starts wrong turns, and incorrect stroke techniques.
