"VAN" (Sports Desk - 07.10.2026) :: The first stop of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup Silk Road Tour wrapped up at Baku's Aquatic Palace after three nights of record-breaking racing. In what was Azerbaijan's first-ever World Aquatics event, the landmark event brought together 216 athletes from 44 nations in front of lively, passionate crowds of swimming fans. While Egor Kornev (RUS) equalled the Men’s 100m Freestyle World Record and Marrit Steenbergen (NED) won four golds in Baku, the combination of elite racing and a range of cultural and development initiatives helped deepen the event's engagement with local communities, and shape an exciting future for swimming in the region. A high standard of racing in front of a vibrant crowd The Silk Road Tour opened with a colourful ceremony celebrating Azerbaijan's culture and heritage, with traditional music, dancing and a dazzling light show. The racing then matched the occasion. Kornev equalled Kyle Chalmers' (AUS) World Record in the Men's 100m Freestyle with 44.84 and also set a World Cup Record in the 50m Backstroke (22.23). Meanwhile Cameron McEvoy broke the World Cup Record in the Men's 50m Freestyle on the opening night in 20.22.
On Wed, Oct 7, 2026