It is the first national swimming world title. Diogo Ribeiro, just 19 years old, completed the race in 22.97 seconds and ended up with the gold medal in Doha, Qatar.
Diogo Ribeiro
CLODOGH KILCOYNE
Diogo Ribeiro swam to make history this Monday. The young man, just 19 years old, became world champion in the 50 meter butterfly.
The Benfica swimmer completed the race in 22.97 seconds, beating North American Michael Andrew (23.07) and Australian Cameron McEvoy (23.08).
“I have no words. The start wasn’t good, but I’m very happy to be world champion”, said the Portuguese athlete, world record holder in juniors.
Diogo Ribeiro is also registered in the 50 meter freestyle, 100 meter freestyle and 100 meter butterfly at the 2024 World Championships.
Just six months ago, the Coimbra-born swimmer had been world runner-up in Fukuoka, when he won Portugal’s first medal in this event.
Even though the 50 meter butterfly is not an Olympic distance, Diogo Ribeiro is one of the main hopes for a medal at the Paris Olympic Games, which will be held between July 26th and August 11th.
A day with the phenomenon of swimming
In December 2022, SIC followed the routine of Diogo Ribeiro, who was already considered a phenomenon in national swimming. That year, he won three world titles and a bronze at the Junior European Championships.
A motorcycle accident almost took his life, but everything changed.
2024-02-12 16:54:13
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