Carmen Weiler (Bangkok, Thailand, 2004) showed a shy smile and made an affectionate gesture to the camera before facing the final of the 200 backstroke at the short course World championships in Budapest, a test that would have confirmed the illusion developed at his side. She placed fifth (2:02.26, one tenth away from the Spanish record she had broken in the morning series, leaving behind the mark of Duane da Rocha in 2011), but has proven to itself that the greatest are no longer so far away.
Her momentum, from a third street where she would get caught between the American Regan Smith (prodigious world record with 1:58.04) and Canadian robotics Summer McIntosh (1:59.96, junior world record), allowed him to reach the first 100 meters ready to fight for medals. Even though the final turns seemed longer, Weiler never lost his composure. And it would conclude a participation in Budapest in wich he broke through eight records from Spain (four individuals,one in the 50m backstroke,two in the 200m backstroke and one in the 200m backstroke),as well as finishing seventh in the other final held in the fast pool of the Duna Arena,that of the 100m backstroke (the event in which he ranked ninth at the last Paris Olympics).
Biology student
Weiler, daughter of a valencian and a German, born in Bangkok and raised in Singapore, has developed significantly under the tutelage at the University of Virginia by sergi Lópezbronze in Seoul 88 in the 200 breaststroke. Weiler, a biology student, has already managed to do so European Junior Champion in 2021 in the 100 backstroke.
This new era of Spanish swimming under the command of Saints veigawho took on the challenge of moving on on the British scene after leaving the country following the Paris Games Sean KellyitS helping young people start proving their worth. Emma Carrasco18 years old, she placed eighth in a final of the 400 freestyle in which she remained in good positions until halfway; In the 4×100 medley relay the Spaniards had finished sixth in Saturday’s final; and, of course, the native of Tarragona Carles Coll (23 years old) – also trained by Sergi López in Virginia – last friday won a historic world gold in the 200m breaststroke. The hungarian trip suggests a certain return after the Olympic disappointment in paris where Hugo González – absent in Budapest – centralized the regret.
Gretchen Walsh, right, with Kate Douglass, after the 50m freestyle final in budapest. / Ap
The Siere Oros by Gretchen Walsh
Many of the stars who opted out of this short course World Cup may have been shocked to see how world records have stacked up in the world’s fastest pool. The American Luke Hobson He stunned by breaking the world record in the 200 freestyle (1:38.61). And the American Gretchen Walsh won seven golds, also conquering the world records this Sunday in the 50 freestyle (22.83) and in the 4×100 medley relay (3:25.01),the eleventh world record (nine individual) she broke in championships. And all, with a bright smile when she considered herself the best sprinter in the world: “I came to have fun.”
What are the key factors that can influence a young swimmer’s performance at international competitions?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Swimming Expert Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Time.news Editor: Welcome,Dr. Mitchell! Today, we’re diving into the impressive journey of young swimmer Carmen weiler, who recently competed in the 200 backstroke final at the Short Course World Championships in Budapest.What’s your take on her performance, especially finishing fifth and just a tenth of a second off the Spanish record?
Dr. Sarah Mitchell: Thank you for having me! Carmen Weiler’s performance is quite remarkable, especially considering her age and the level of competition at the World Championships. Finishing fifth in such a prestigious event shows that she not only has talent but also the mental fortitude to compete on the world stage.
Time.news Editor: Indeed,being so close to breaking a record must have been exciting for her. What factors do you think contribute to a young athlete like Carmen breaking national records so early in their career?
Dr. Sarah Mitchell: there are several factors at play. Firstly, having access to elite training facilities and coaches can make a massive difference. Additionally, the support system around her—family, team, and coaches—helps in nurturing her talent. Lastly,mental resilience is crucial in competitive sports,and carmen has shown that she can handle pressure,as evidenced by her performance in Budapest.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned mental resilience. How do you think age impacts an athlete’s ability to handle pressure in high-stakes competitions?
Dr. Sarah Mitchell: Age can be a double-edged sword. Younger athletes frequently enough have less experience in handling pressure,but they can also be more carefree and less burdened by expectations. Carmen’s shy smile and affectionate gesture towards the camera suggest a blend of excitement and nerves, which is fully normal. As they gain experience, they usually become better at managing stress and expectations, but Carmen’s ability to perform at such a critical moment says a lot about her mental strength at just 19 years old.
time.news Editor: That’s a great point. In your opinion, what should be the focus for Carmen as she continues her swimming career?
Dr. Sarah Mitchell: I think the priority should be on her continued growth, both technically and mentally. This includes refining her stroke technique, improving her starts and turns, and working on her race strategies. Mentally, maintaining her passion for the sport while learning how to cope with both victories and defeats will be essential as she progresses. Setting incremental goals, such as consistently breaking her personal bests or working towards major events like the Olympics, will also keep her motivated.
Time.news Editor: With that in mind, can you discuss the potential challenges she may face as she moves forward in her swimming career?
Dr. Sarah Mitchell: Some common challenges for young athletes include the physical toll of training and competition, the pressure from sponsors and media, and, importantly, balancing their education or personal life with their sports career. Injuries can also be a significant concern in swimming, especially for athletes who push their limits. Carmen, like many young athletes, will need to stay adaptable and resilient to navigate these challenges while continuing to pursue her dreams.
Time.news Editor: An significant reminder that the journey is as crucial as the destination. Lastly, what do you think the future holds for Carmen Weiler in the competitive swimming arena?
Dr. Sarah Mitchell: If Carmen stays dedicated and continues to evolve as an athlete, I see a luminous future for her. She has already proven she can handle the spotlight and deliver strong performances, so with hard work and the right mindset, she could become one of Spain’s top swimmers in the coming years—perhaps even a podium contender in future international competitions.
Time.news Editor: Exciting times ahead for her, for sure! Thank you, dr. Mitchell, for sharing your insights on Carmen weiler’s journey and what it takes to be a prosperous swimmer at such a young age.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell: It was my pleasure! I look forward to seeing how Carmen’s career unfolds.
