USA delivers 21 reasons why the Aussie swimmers are on notice for the LA Olympics
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The United States swimming team has sent a powerful message to Australia ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Team USA delivered a record-shattering performance at the World Aquatics Short Course Championships in Budapest, signaling their intent to reclaim dominance in the pool.
![[USA dominated the short course championships, firing a big shot at the Aussie s]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/22/93212485-0-image-a-12_1734388507959.jpg)
The Americans set 21 world records, claimed 18 gold medals, and demonstrated unparalleled team depth at the six-day meet. This performance is a clear warning to Australia's Dolphins, who narrowly edged the US in the medal tally at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
![[Elijah Winnington, centre, claimed one of just two gold medals the Aussies won at the championships]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/22/93212627-0-image-a-19_1734389172207.jpg)
While Australia finished the short-course championships in sixth place with just two gold medals, key athletes Paris heroes including Kaylee McKeown and Ariarne Titmus were absent. Even so, the Americans' dominance in Budapest highlights their preparations to challenge Australia's reign as the top swimming nation.
![[Lani Pallister also claimed gold for Australia with a host of big names skipping the event]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/22/93212527-0-image-a-14_1734388519949.jpg)
USA's Gretchen Walsh smiles after winning the final of the women's 50m freestyle event. USA dominated the short course championships, firing a big shot at the Aussie s. Gretchen Walsh emerged as the face of the US resurgence. The 21-year-old won seven gold medals and broke 11 world records, becoming a symbol of the Americans' growing strength.
![[Australia's golden girl of the pool in Paris Kaylee McKeown skipped the short course championships in Budapest]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/22/93212531-0-image-a-15_1734388529435.jpg)
Walsh's performances in events like the 50m butterfly and 100m butterfly were nothing short of extraordinary. 'I'm just getting started,' she said, reflecting on her record-breaking week. Another star performer was Regan Smith, who set three individual world records in backstroke events and contributed to a world-record-breaking 4x100m medley relay.
![[Ariarne Titmus was another big name for the Aussies that opted against making the trip]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/16/22/93212535-0-image-a-16_1734388531895.jpg)
