Bundaberg’s Isaac Cooper has been crowned 50 m backstroke world champion as he brought home gold at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha.
Isaac’s win helped the Australia swim team, the Dolphins, double down on gold and helped Australia leap into third position on the table behind USA and China.
Isaac, 20, won the 50 m backstroke which Swimming Australia said was all the more impressive given he was up against the lane ropes, hitting them with his fingers.
According to the Swimming Australia report, he later explained the roof of Aspire Dome had disorientated him, so he was using the lane ropes as a guide to swim straight.
Not that the lane-rope steer stopped him from clocking a national record in his semi-final – 24.12 – and then a 24.13 to win gold which was Australia’s 100th pool gold medal at World Championships after Steve Holland won the first in 1973, in the 1500m.
USA’s Hunter Armstrong claimed silver (24.33) and Poland’s Ksawery Masiuk the bronze (24.44).
“I told my coach I would love a go at going under 24 tonight but I whacked my finger a couple of times … the roof is curved … so it was a bit of a mind game to swim straight,” Isaac told Swimming Australia.
“I am really proud of that swim … I have no idea what I am capable of but I think it’s up to the individual to test it.
“This event isn’t on the Olympic program so my goal is to now focus on 100 back – and the 50 m free.
“And now I know my front-end speed is there, I have to hold my speed and learn how to turn around and come back.
“But my focus is the 50 m free.
“I would love to one day become the fastest man in the world.
“Whether it happens this year or in 10 years.
“But I also know my country needs me for the backstroke, in the relays, so I’m training for that as well.”
The women’s 4×100 m medley relay team also surged home to help Australia finish with an overall medal haul of 16.
In all, the Dolphins team of 15 had a combined 34 individual swims for 27 finals and Isaac’s world title and the 4×100 m medley relay gold, capped off what head coach Rohan Taylor called a worthy and successful campaign.
The Dolphins amassed a collection of three gold, nine silver and four bronze at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships.
