2017 World Aquatics Championships
The 2017 World Aquatics Championships, officially the 17th FINA World Championships, was a major international multi-sport event in aquatics held from 14 to 30 July 2017 in Budapest, Hungary.[1] It encompassed six disciplines—artistic swimming, diving, high diving, open water swimming, swimming, and water polo—with 2,360 athletes from 182 nations competing in 75 medal events.[2] The championships marked the first time Budapest hosted the event, originally awarded after Mexico's Guadalajara withdrew in 2015, and utilized innovative venues including the newly built Duna Arena for swimming and diving, the Alfréd Hajós National Swimming Stadium for water polo, temporary pools in City Park for artistic swimming, Lake Balaton for open water events, and the banks of the Danube River for high diving.[3][4] The event unfolded over 17 days, with artistic swimming and diving commencing on 14 July, followed by open water swimming from 15 July, water polo starting 16 July, the swimming program from 23 July, and high diving concluding on 30 July.[5] Hungary's hosting emphasized its aquatics heritage, featuring state-of-the-art facilities constructed in record time, such as the Duna Arena, which accommodated up to 12,000 spectators.[4] The championships drew unprecedented attendance, with 485,000 spectators and record crowds, including 7,900 for the men's 10m platform diving final, making it the most attended edition in history up to that point.[6] In the overall medal standings, the United States led with 21 gold medals, followed by China with 12, showcasing dominance in swimming where they secured 38 total medals, including multiple world records.[7] China excelled in diving, claiming 8 golds and 15 medals overall, while Hungary, as host, earned 9 medals, highlighted by Katinka Hosszú's two golds in swimming.[8] The meet saw 11 world records broken, primarily in swimming, and 21 championship records, with standout performances like Caeleb Dressel's seven golds tying Michael Phelps' single-championships record.[9] The 2017 championships were hailed as a resounding success, boosting aquatics' global visibility through FINA's broadcast innovations and setting a benchmark for future events with its blend of urban and natural venues.[10]Background
Event overview
The 2017 World Aquatics Championships, the 17th edition of the event organized by FINA (now known as World Aquatics), took place in Budapest, Hungary, from July 14 to 30.[11][12] This biennial competition, which began in 1973, served as a key pre-Olympic showcase for aquatic sports ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Games. The championships featured six core disciplines—swimming, diving, high diving, synchronized swimming, water polo, and open water swimming—with a total of 75 medal events contested across various venues in and around Budapest.[11] A total of 2,360 athletes from 182 nations participated, marking one of the largest gatherings in the event's history and highlighting the global reach of aquatic sports.[12][13] The opening ceremony was officially declared open by Hungarian President János Áder, setting a festive tone with performances celebrating Hungary's aquatic heritage.[14] The championships concluded on July 30, with FINA President Julio Maglione delivering the closing remarks and praising the event's organization and atmosphere.[15] This edition underscored FINA's role in promoting international competition in aquatics, fostering athletic excellence and international cooperation among participating nations.[16]Host selection
The hosting rights for the 2017 World Aquatics Championships were originally awarded to Guadalajara, Mexico, by the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) in 2011, as part of a simultaneous selection process for the 2015 and 2017 events, with Kazan, Russia, chosen for 2015 and Guadalajara for 2017.[17] This decision positioned Guadalajara to utilize venues from the 2011 Pan American Games, marking Mexico's first time hosting the flagship aquatics event.[18] On February 18, 2015, the Guadalajara Local Organizing Committee announced its withdrawal as host, citing severe economic pressures from plummeting global oil prices that reduced anticipated government funding for the estimated $100 million event.[17] The decision came after months of concerns over construction delays and financial shortfalls, prompting FINA to initiate an expedited replacement process to ensure the championships proceeded as scheduled.[19] In response, FINA launched a new bidding round in early March 2015, inviting applications from national federations. Budapest, Hungary, quickly submitted a revised proposal, leveraging its prior successful bid for the 2021 Championships and emphasizing the city's ready-made infrastructure, including established pools and arenas, to minimize costs and preparation time.[20] With no other formal bids received following Mexico's exit, FINA's Bureau unanimously selected Budapest as the replacement host on March 11, 2015.[21] Following the award, Hungarian officials immediately commenced venue adaptations, supported by substantial government backing for temporary facilities to accommodate all aquatic disciplines. A formal hosting agreement was signed between FINA President Julio C. Maglione and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on April 16, 2015, solidifying the timeline for the July 2017 event.[22]Preparation
Venues
The 2017 World Aquatics Championships utilized a combination of permanent and temporary venues in Budapest and its surroundings, showcasing the city's aquatic heritage while incorporating innovative temporary structures to accommodate the diverse disciplines. These facilities were selected to leverage Budapest's position along the Danube River and proximity to natural water bodies, ensuring logistical efficiency for the international event.[4] The primary venue for swimming and diving was the Duna Arena, a state-of-the-art aquatics complex constructed specifically for the championships on the east bank of the Danube River, adjacent to the existing Dagály Baths. This facility included two 50-meter competition pools—one for swimming and one convertible for diving—along with a dedicated diving pool and a training pool, accommodating up to 12,000 spectators with added temporary seating. The arena's design emphasized modular construction for post-event adaptability, allowing parts of the structure to be reconfigured for ongoing use in Budapest.[4] Water polo competitions were held at the historic Alfréd Hajós National Swimming Stadium on Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube, a renovated complex originally built in the early 20th century that spans 80,000 square meters with multiple indoor and outdoor pools. The venue offered a capacity of 8,000 spectators, providing an intimate setting for the men's and women's tournaments amid the island's green spaces.[4][23] Artistic swimming took place at a temporary venue in City Park (Városliget), featuring two modular pools installed for the event and seating for 6,000, with picturesque views of Heroes' Square and nearby landmarks. Open water swimming events occurred at Lake Balaton in Balatonfüred, approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Budapest, utilizing a 5-kilometer course on the lake's main promenade for races that highlighted the region's natural beauty. High diving was conducted at a innovative temporary pool setup at Batthyány Square along the Danube River, where platforms reached up to 27 meters, offering divers a dramatic urban backdrop including the Hungarian Parliament building.[4][24][25] In total, three temporary pools were constructed across the championships, including those for artistic swimming and high diving, with an emphasis on sustainability—many were designed for disassembly and relocation after the event to reduce long-term environmental impact. Additional training facilities, such as pools at the Dagály complex and other local sites, supported athlete preparation without competing for main event spaces. These choices marked a first for high diving in a riverside urban setting, enhancing the championships' spectacle while prioritizing eco-friendly infrastructure.[4][26]Symbols
The official logo for the 2017 World Aquatics Championships was unveiled on the FINA website in September 2015. It features a subtle integration of Hungary's national flag colors—red, white, and green—in horizontal stripes, positioned above the letters "B" and "P" to evoke the city's name. The design symbolizes the historical and geographical unity of Buda and Pest, connected by the iconic Chain Bridge spanning the Danube River, while abstract wave-like elements represent the fluidity of water sports.[27] The 2017 event featured official mascots: Lili (female) and Lali (male), depicted as anthropomorphic white water lilies wearing swimming costumes. Designed by Hungarian graphic artist Tibor Tatai, the mascots were inspired by the event's logo and Hungary's abundant water resources, including the Danube River and renowned thermal baths, aiming to convey a sense of playfulness, simplicity, and national aquatic heritage. These characters appeared in promotional materials, broadcasts, and 3D animations to engage younger audiences and promote the championships' themes.[28] The official anthem, titled "We Are the Water," was composed specifically for the event and performed by the Hungarian group Pályamű. Released in July 2017, it emphasized unity and the vital role of water in sport and life, aligning with FINA's broader mission. The track was featured during the opening ceremony and in official videos to enhance the event's branding.[29] Additional symbolic elements included an official poster and a comprehensive visual identity system developed by Graphasel Design Studio. The poster and related graphics incorporated wave motifs, sport icons, and the tricolor palette to maintain cohesion across print and digital media. Branding was applied to temporary decorations at venues like the Duna Arena, where river-inspired patterns highlighted Budapest's thermal and aquatic traditions without introducing a separate mascot beyond Lili and Lali.[30]Ceremonies
Opening ceremony
The opening ceremony of the 2017 World Aquatics Championships took place on July 14, 2017, along the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary, transforming the waterway into a central stage for the event. A massive floating platform, spanning approximately 2,400 square meters (26,000 square feet), served as the focal point, positioned near iconic landmarks such as the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle. This setup allowed for an immersive spectacle that integrated the river's natural flow with advanced production elements, marking the official start of the championships.[31][14] Themed "The Memory of Water," the ceremony celebrated Hungary's deep-rooted connection to water through its history, culture, and innovative spirit, structured in four chapters: "Water and Life," "Water and Culture," "Water and Sport," and a grand finale. Over 500 performers, including dancers, musicians, athletes, and volunteers, brought the narrative to life with dynamic choreography and live music, highlighted by pianist Gergely Bogányi performing Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. Special effects elevated the production, featuring 3D projection mapping on surfaces including Buda Castle (covering 9,000 square meters) and the surrounding area using high-lumen projectors, choreographed water jets reaching up to 82 feet, mid-air water screens for video displays, lasers, drone light shows, flames, and fireworks. A flag parade represented the participating nations, incorporating symbolic projections of the event logo to underscore themes of unity and aquatic heritage.[32][33][14][34] The formal proceedings included addresses by Budapest Mayor István Tarlós, who welcomed the global audience, and FINA President Julio C. Maglione, who praised the venue's suitability with the declaration, "We couldn’t have chosen a better place for this celebration!" Hungarian President János Áder then officially opened the championships. The event concluded with a FINA parade and the lighting of the "Fontana," an aquatic cauldron, by Hungarian swimming legend Krisztina Egerszegi, symbolizing the ignition of competitive spirit. Lasting approximately two hours, the free public ceremony drew thousands of spectators to the riverbanks, creating an electric atmosphere for the anticipated competitions.[14][35]Closing ceremony
The closing ceremony of the 2017 World Aquatics Championships took place on July 30, 2017, at the Papp László Budapest Sports Arena in Budapest, Hungary, immediately following the final swimming events held earlier that day at the Danube Arena.[15][36][37] The event featured medal presentations for the concluding competitions, alongside a dynamic cultural performance that blended Hungarian folklore with modern artistic elements, including a contemporary circus and dance show inspired by the legend of the Wonder Deer. Directed by Bence Vági of the Recirquel Company Budapest, the production involved over 200 performers from 18 countries, utilizing a three-story set, a monumental puppet, and advanced aerial rigging with 13 motors for an immersive spectacle.[15][36] A pivotal moment was the ceremonial handover of the FINA flag from Budapest Mayor István Tarlós to FINA President Julio C. Maglione, who then passed it to Gwangju Mayor Yoon Jang-hyun, signaling the transition to the host city for the 2019 Championships in South Korea. Speeches highlighted the event's success, with Maglione delivering the closing address and praising it as "the best World Championships ever," while Organizing Committee President Miklós Seszták acknowledged the contributions of volunteers and two years of preparation; Gwangju's representative introduced the upcoming edition's theme, "Dive into Peace." Athlete testimonials underscored the championships' positive impact and organizational excellence.[15][38][36] The ceremony concluded with entertainment including a preview cultural show from the Korean hosts, a fireworks display, and a synchronized light show, lasting approximately 60 minutes and drawing approximately 4,000 spectators.[15][36]Schedule and participation
Competition schedule
The 2017 World Aquatics Championships spanned 17 days from July 14 to July 30 in Budapest, Hungary, encompassing competitions in open water swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo, swimming, and high diving across multiple venues. Non-swimming disciplines began early in the program, progressing to the high-profile swimming events at the end, with a total of 75 medal events contested overall. The schedule followed a structured timeline for each discipline, with open water swimming held from July 15 to 21 at Lake Balaton, primarily featuring finals without preliminaries due to its endurance format and potential weather dependencies that could affect start times or conditions. Diving competitions ran from July 14 to 22 at the Duna Arena, including preliminaries, semifinals, and finals for individual and synchronized events on 1m, 3m springboards, and 10m platforms. Artistic swimming took place from July 14 to 22 at temporary pools in Városliget (City Park), covering solo, duet, team, and combination routines with technical and free phases.[39] Water polo matches occurred from July 16 to 29 at the Alfréd Hajós National Swimming Stadium, involving preliminary rounds, knockouts, and finals for men's and women's tournaments.[4] Swimming events were concentrated from July 23 to 30 at the Duna Arena, comprising 42 races across 13 sessions with no rest days. High diving concluded the championships from July 28 to 30 at a temporary urban site in Budapest, featuring semifinals and finals from 20m (women) and 27m (men).[5] Most pool-based disciplines adhered to a daily format of morning preliminaries (typically starting around 9:30–11:00 AM local time) followed by evening finals (around 5:30–8:30 PM), allowing for recovery and spectator engagement, while open water and high diving focused on single-session finals adjusted for environmental factors. The opening ceremony occurred on July 14, with the closing ceremony on July 30 after the final swimming and high diving events.[40]| Date | Key Events and Disciplines |
|---|---|
| July 14 | Opening ceremony; Diving and artistic swimming preliminaries begin (e.g., men's 1m springboard prelims, solo technical routines). |
| July 15 | Open water: Men's 5km final; Diving: Mixed 10m synchro final, women's 1m springboard prelims. |
| July 16 | Open water: Women's 10km final; Water polo: Preliminary rounds start; Artistic swimming: Duet technical prelims. |
| July 17–19 | Artistic swimming: Free routines and finals (duet, team); Open water: Men's 10km (July 18), women's 5km (July 19); Diving: Various platform and springboard events; Water polo: Group matches. |
| July 20–21 | Open water: Team relay (July 20), men's and women's 25km (July 21); Diving: Continuing finals (e.g., 3m springboard); Artistic swimming: Combination and highlight finals. |
| July 22 | Diving finals conclude (e.g., women's 10m platform); Artistic swimming team finals. |
| July 23–27 | Swimming: Daily sessions with prelims and finals (e.g., July 23: women's 100m butterfly, men's 400m freestyle; progressing to relays); Water polo: Quarterfinals and semifinals. |
| July 28 | High diving: Women's and men's semifinals; Swimming: Later sessions (e.g., 200m events); Water polo: Placement matches. |
| July 29 | High diving: Women's final; Water polo: Men's bronze and gold finals; Swimming: Semifinals and finals (e.g., 100m freestyle). |
| July 30 | High diving: Men's final; Swimming: Closing relays (e.g., 4x100m medley); Closing ceremony. |
Participating nations
The 2017 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, saw participation from 182 nations, underscoring the event's global reach. 2,360 athletes competed across six disciplines, reflecting the growing inclusivity of aquatics sports.[41] Qualification for the championships was determined primarily through FINA world rankings, with allocations based on performance at prior events like the 2015 World Championships and 2016 continental championships. Continental quotas ensured representation from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, while universality places allowed smaller federations to send athletes even if they did not meet standard times, promoting broader participation. For swimming, specifically, entries were secured via the 2016 World Short Course Championships, national trials, and FINA's A and B time standards. Similar processes applied to diving, water polo, artistic swimming, open water swimming, and high diving, with team sports like water polo using regional tournaments for qualification.[42][43] Gender balance was roughly even, with approximately half the field being women, supported by the event's structure that included dedicated women's events in disciplines like water polo and diving to encourage female participation. This parity aligned with FINA's efforts to promote equality in aquatics. The largest delegations came from traditional aquatics powerhouses, with the United States leading in total athletes entered across all disciplines.| Rank | Nation | Approximate Number of Athletes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 150 |
| 2 | China | 140 |
| 3 | Australia | 120 |
| 4 | Russia | 110 |
| 5 | Japan | 100 |
| 6 | Great Britain | 90 |
| 7 | Germany | 85 |
| 8 | Italy | 80 |
| 9 | France | 75 |
| 10 | Hungary | 70 |
| Debut Nation | Discipline(s) Participated In | Number of Athletes |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Swimming | 2 |
| Timor-Leste | Swimming | 1 |
| Curaçao | Swimming | 1 |
| Kosovo | Swimming, Water Polo | 5 |
Results
Medal table
The medal table for the 2017 World Aquatics Championships ranks nations by the number of gold medals won, with ties broken first by the number of silver medals and then alphabetically by country code. A total of 75 gold medals, 150 silver medals, and 225 bronze medals were distributed across the six disciplines.[7]| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States (USA) | 22 | 13 | 7 | 42 |
| 2 | China (CHN) | 12 | 12 | 6 | 30 |
| 3 | Russia (RUS) | 11 | 9 | 7 | 27 |
| 4 | Australia (AUS) | 3 | 5 | 4 | 12 |
| 5 | Great Britain (GBR) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 12 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
Records and notable achievements
The 2017 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest saw eleven world records broken in swimming, all in long-course events, highlighting exceptional performances by individual athletes and relay teams. These records were set across breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle, and relay disciplines, with the United States and individual stars from Great Britain, Sweden, Canada, and the USA leading the breakthroughs.[9]| Event | Athlete/Team | Nationality | Time | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's 50 m breaststroke (prelim) | Adam Peaty | GBR | 26.10 | July 25, 2017 |
| Women's 100 m breaststroke | Lilly King | USA | 1:04.13 | July 25, 2017 |
| Women's 100 m backstroke | Kylie Masse | CAN | 58.10 | July 25, 2017 |
| Men's 50 m breaststroke (semi) | Adam Peaty | GBR | 25.95 | July 25, 2017 |
| Women's 50 m breaststroke | Lilly King | USA | 29.40 | July 26, 2017 |
| Mixed 4 × 100 m medley relay (prelim) | United States | USA | 3:40.28 | July 28, 2017 |
| Women's 50 m freestyle | Sarah Sjöström | SWE | 23.67 | July 29, 2017 |
| Women's 100 m freestyle (relay lead-off) | Sarah Sjöström | SWE | 51.71 | July 30, 2017 |
| Mixed 4 × 100 m freestyle relay | United States (Zach Apple, Caeleb Dressel, Townley Haas, Nathan Adrian) | USA | 3:19.60 | July 30, 2017 |
| Mixed 4 × 100 m medley relay | United States (Ryan Murphy, Cody Miller, Caeleb Dressel, Nathan Adrian) | USA | 3:38.56 | July 30, 2017 |
| Women's 4 × 100 m medley relay | United States (Ryan Murphy, Cody Miller, Kelsi Worrell, Simone Manuel) | USA | 3:51.55 | July 30, 2017 |