Liebmann and Douglass break swimming world records in Paris and California

Johannes Liebmann, 19, lowered the men's 1500m freestyle world record to 14 minutes 26.79 seconds at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, shaving 3.88 seconds off the previous mark set by Bobby Finke at the 2024 Olympics. The performance made him the first swimmer to finish the distance in under 14 minutes 30 seconds and represented the largest reduction in the record since Grant Hackett's 2001 swim, which cut more than seven seconds.

In California, 24-year-old Kate Douglass reclaimed the women's 50m freestyle world record during the heats of the Pan Pacific Championships, posting a time of 23.49 seconds. The new mark replaces the record previously held by Gretchen Walsh and marks Douglass's second record in the event this summer.

"We are thrilled to see these athletes push the limits of the sport," said a spokesperson for the European Aquatics Championships.

Both swimmers earned gold medals with their record-breaking performances, underscoring a notable week for competitive swimming.