Editorial content for the 2023 World Aquatics Championships is sponsored by FINIS, a longtime partner of Swimming World and leading innovator of suits, goggles and equipment. World Championships: FINIS Athletes Shayna Jack and James Guy Have Golden Touch A longtime partner of Swimming World, FINIS has routinely produced cutting-edge products which benefit the sport’s athletes – from snorkels to fins to paddles, and now the Smart Goggle and the HydroX suit. FINIS is serving as the sponsor of Swimming World’s coverage of the World Championships in Fukuoka, with the company featuring several of its sponsored athletes in competition. Periodically during Worlds, we’ll publish a piece on FINIS athletes. *************** The fifth and sixth days of the World Championships were wrapped up by the 800-meter freestyle relay. The women took to the pool in Fukuoka on Thursday night, with Australia shattering the world record in the event. On Friday, the men got to work, and it was Great Britain which emerged triumphant, a world record just out of reach. A common thread between the relays? FINIS-sponsored athletes – Shayna Jack and James Guy. Already a member of Australia’s world-record-setting 400 freestyle relay from the opening night of competition, Jack was given the nod by the Dolphins’ coaching staff to handle the second leg of the 800 free relay. The 24-year-old delivered in a big way, dropping a split of 1:55.63. Photo Courtesy: FINIS Jack has been one of the most valuable relay performers at the World Champs, whether in prelims duty or with medals on the line. Already this week, she has produced three 100-meter freestyle splits that rank in the all-time top 12. Individually, Jack contested the 50 freestyle on Saturday morning, easily advancing to the semifinals. A night after Jack helped the Aussies to a world record, Guy worked the third leg as Great Britain captured a gold medal it was chasing. Guy split 1:45.17 for his leg, an effort that enabled the Brits to remain ahead of the United States and set the stage for anchor Tom Dean. Guy has been a longtime staple in relay duty, his leadership playing a key role in Great Britain’s rise over the past few years. Guy has routinely been, well, the guy who rallies his teammates and sets a tone for high expectations. Guy was part of the squad that won gold in the 800 free relay at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. “Across the last few years and winning it in Tokyo, I think we kind of knew we were the favorites deep down,” Guy said. “We’re not taking things for granted at all. It’s obviously nice to win, but I think the world record was in the back of our heads a little bit. But everything happens for a reason. I think winning tonight was really, really nice…We’re racing the best guys in the world on the world stage and it’s an honor to do that. Hopefully, we can progress that next year and go a little faster in our own individual swims.”
