World Aquatics Championships 2033
Official Overview
The World Aquatics Championships, formerly known as the FINA World Championships, represent the pinnacle of international competition in aquatic sports, encompassing six core disciplines: swimming, diving, high diving, open water swimming, artistic swimming, and water polo. The United States leads the all-time medal table with 312 gold medals, 257 silvers, and 201 bronzes. Michael Phelps won 26 golds, the most in World Aquatics Championships history, establishing himself as the greatest swimmer of all time. The championships serve as the primary qualifying event for the Olympic Games and have been instrumental in driving innovation in swimming techniques and technology.
Comprehensive History
The World Aquatics Championships history begins in 1973 with the first edition in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. This inaugural event featured 37 events—18 men's and 19 women's—in swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo, with 47 nations and 686 athletes participating. The United States dominated early editions, but China emerged as a powerhouse in diving from the 1990s onward. Australia has consistently challenged American dominance in swimming, producing legends like Ian Thorpe and Shane Gould. Open water swimming was added in 1991, and high diving in 2013, making six disciplines total. The championships have grown to become the largest international aquatic event outside the Olympics.
By 2033, China will continue its dominance in diving, securing the most golds in synchronized and platform events. The United States will challenge strongly in swimming relays and freestyle events, while Australia produces breakthrough performers in middle-distance swimming.
Quick Facts
- The World Aquatics Championships started in 1973 in Belgrade with 37 events.
- Open water swimming was added in 1991, and high diving in 2013.
- The U.S. holds the all-time lead with 312 gold medals, while China has 222.
- The 2019 Gwangju edition had a record 2,623 athletes from 192 nations.
- Michael Phelps won 26 golds, the most in World Aquatics Championships history.
- Katie Ledecky holds multiple world records in women's freestyle events.