Leah Hayes Shatters Her Own 200 IM World University Games Record with Blazing 2:09.48 — Her Fastest Swim Since 2022!…Read More…
In a breathtaking display of power, poise, and precision, American swimming sensation Leah Hayes etched her name even deeper into the record books at the 2025 World University Games (WUGs) by smashing her own 200-meter individual medley (IM) record with a scorching time of 2:09.48. The performance marks not only a new championship record but also Hayes’ fastest time since her breakout season in 2022 — a defining moment that silenced critics and reaffirmed her status among the world’s premier medley swimmers.
A Record Rewrite for the Ages
The electric atmosphere inside the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center erupted as Hayes, representing the University of Virginia, surged ahead of a stacked field that featured some of the best collegiate swimmers from around the globe. Clocking a jaw-dropping 2:09.48, she obliterated her previous WUGs record of 2:10.24 set in 2023, showcasing both her technical mastery and unrelenting competitive fire.
“I felt like I had something to prove — not to anyone else, but to myself,” Hayes said post-race, her voice trembling with emotion. “The last couple of years have been about growth, resilience, and finding that inner spark again. Tonight, I swam free of expectations… and I swam for me.”
A Powerful Comeback to the Spotlight
After a stellar 2022 season highlighted by a world junior record and a bronze medal at the World Championships in Budapest, Hayes faced an unexpected plateau. Injury setbacks and a grueling academic schedule tempered her international appearances, leading many to speculate whether she could reclaim her form at the global level.
But true champions thrive in adversity. Hayes channeled the doubts into determination, dedicating the past year to refining her stroke technique and rebuilding her mental strength under the guidance of Virginia’s head coach, Todd DeSorbo.
“Leah’s journey over the past two years has been nothing short of inspiring,” DeSorbo reflected. “She’s faced challenges most people don’t see — both in and out of the pool. What you witnessed tonight was the culmination of relentless hard work, belief, and heart.”
The Race That Had It All
From the start, Hayes set the tone with an explosive butterfly leg, carving through the water with the confidence of a seasoned pro. Her backstroke maintained the momentum, keeping her in command as rivals from Japan, Australia, and Italy tried to close the gap. But it was during the breaststroke — traditionally her most tactical segment — that Hayes broke away, splitting an impressive 36.5 seconds.
The final freestyle leg saw Hayes dig deep, her streamlined form slicing the surface as the crowd roared her home. Touching the wall in 2:09.48, she punched the air in a rare display of raw emotion, a gesture that mirrored the significance of her achievement.
Global Field, Global Impact
Behind Hayes, Japan’s Yui Ohashi — the reigning Olympic champion in the event — claimed silver with a commendable 2:10.91, while Australia’s Jenna Forrester took bronze in 2:11.43. Both athletes acknowledged Hayes’ remarkable performance in their post-race interviews.
“Leah was phenomenal tonight,” Ohashi said. “It’s great for the sport to see young stars like her push the limits. She deserves every bit of this victory.”
Forrester echoed the sentiment, adding, “You always want to race the best, and Leah brought out the best in all of us tonight.”
Eyes Set on Paris and Beyond
With the 2025 WUGs performance under her belt, Hayes now turns her sights toward the Paris 2025 World Championships — and potentially, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her time in Hangzhou not only puts her atop the collegiate swimming scene but also positions her as a serious medal contender on the world stage.
“I’m taking it one race at a time,” Hayes said, smiling. “But yes… this is just the beginning. I’ve got big dreams, and this is the first step in chasing them again.”
A Beacon of Hope for U.S. Swimming
As Team USA continues to nurture its next generation of talent, Leah Hayes’ resurgence serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her record-breaking swim in Hangzhou is a powerful reminder that greatness is forged through persistence, passion, and an unbreakable will.
For Leah Hayes, the future is gleaming — and after tonight’s unforgettable race, the swimming world will be watching her every stroke.
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