Americans Set Relay World Record at Swimming Championships in Singapore

The United States achieved a significant milestone at the swimming world championships in Singapore, setting a new world record in the 4×100-meter mixed relay with a time of 3 minutes, 18.48 seconds. This remarkable performance surpassed the previous record of 3:18.83, established by Australia in 2023. The record-breaking swim was part of a night where the U.S. team claimed a total of three gold medals, marking a turning point in what has been a challenging championship for American swimmers.

Katie Ledecky, a dominant figure in women’s swimming, added to the U.S. medal tally by winning the 800-meter freestyle. Additionally, Gretchen Walsh secured gold in the 50-meter butterfly. With these recent victories, the American team has now collected a total of eight gold medals as the championships approach their conclusion on Sunday.

In a different sport, Luka Doncic has made headlines by agreeing to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. This deal ensures the Slovenian superstar remains with the franchise until 2028, as he forgoes the opportunity to enter free agency next summer. Doncic, who was traded to the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks in February, expressed his enthusiasm via social media, stating, “Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud.”

In a concerning incident, reigning 100-meter world champion Sha’Carri Richardson was arrested last weekend at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on a fourth-degree domestic violence charge. A police report indicates that Richardson allegedly assaulted her boyfriend. Despite this incident, she is set to compete at the upcoming world championships in September in Tokyo, where she holds an automatic bye as the defending champion. USA Track and Field has acknowledged the situation but has not commented further.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman faces serious legal issues after being arrested on weapons charges during a traffic stop for vehicle code violations. Authorities discovered five firearms in his vehicle, including two assault weapons. Perryman is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. The Chargers organization has stated they are aware of the situation and are gathering more information.

In the NFL, All-Pro defensive lineman Zach Allen has secured a four-year, $102 million contract extension with the Denver Broncos, which includes nearly $70 million in guaranteed money. This deal marks a significant financial commitment from the Broncos as training camp progresses. Earlier in the week, receiver Courtland Sutton also signed a lucrative extension with the team, further solidifying their roster for the upcoming season.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has opened up about his transformation following a serious car accident last year, which resulted in injuries to multiple individuals and a settlement exceeding $1 million. Rice served a 30-day jail sentence and is currently on five years of deferred probation. While he missed much of last season due to a knee injury, he is now focused on returning to the field and contributing to the Chiefs, who are anticipating a possible NFL suspension.

In a unique sports event, the MLB’s Speedway Classic took place at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee, marking an unprecedented blend of baseball and motorsport. Fans enjoyed a variety of attractions, including a 110-foot Ferris wheel, race cars decorated in MLB team colors, and live music. This event has been four years in the making, showcasing a baseball diamond constructed within the speedway’s infield.

Finally, in Formula 1 news, Charles Leclerc achieved a surprising first pole position of the year for Ferrari at the Hungarian Grand Prix. His time narrowly edged out both McLarens, with Leclerc finishing just 0.026 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri and 0.041 seconds ahead of Lando Norris. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton, another renowned driver, expressed frustration after qualifying 12th, stating he feels “absolutely useless” and suggesting Ferrari consider a driver change.

As American swimming faces scrutiny, three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines has called for substantial reforms. He criticized the current state of the sport, highlighting that the team has been underperforming and is facing challenges due to a case of “acute gastroenteritis” among athletes. Gaines described USA Swimming as “rudderless” following a year without a CEO, emphasizing the urgent need for change in the organization.