World Championships, Day Seven Finals: Cam McEvoy Sizzles to Second 50 Freestyle Crown; Ben Proud and Jack Alexy Reach Podium
Australia’s Olympic champion Cam McEvoy won his second 50-meter freestyle gold medal at the World Championships on Saturday, clocking 21.14 in an epic final in Singapore, confirming his ownership as the fastest swimmer in the world.
The 2023 world champion and the man they call “The Professor” proved too quick and too slick for the ever-present British sprint king Ben Proud, who was just .12 behind in 21.26 for silver. American rising star Jack Alexy took bronze in 21.46.
McEvoy celebrated the one-year anniversary to the day he won his maiden Olympic gold medal in the event, 12 months ago in Paris.
FASTEST MAN IN THE WORLD: Cam McEvoy enjoys the moment in Singapore. Photo Courtesy Delly Carr (Swimming Australia)
The 31-year-old became not only the fastest, but the oldest Australian to win an individual world championship gold medal. McEvoy dedicated his win to his wife, Madi, watching back in Brisbane with newborn son Hartley.
“A big shout out to Madi back home with Hartley – thanks so much for supporting me – I would not be here and would not be able to do what I do without you,” McEvoy told his former four-time Olympic teammate Cate Campbell on the Channel 9 Broadcast in Australia.
“It’s been a pretty hectic preparation. I’m just glad that I got my hand on the wall first in a great time. Enjoy it while it lasts here, but I’m so excited to get home.
“(Fatherhood) has given me a new light on the sport, on life, something new to navigate, and I’ll see where it takes me in the future.”
50m freestyle podium Singapore 2025 (L-R) Ben Proud (GBR), Cam McEvoy (AUS) Jack Alexy (USA)
It was a podium reunion from 2023 for McEvoy, Proud and Alexy, the year McEvoy won his first title ahead of Alexy with 2022 champion Proud taking the bronze.
Thirty-year-old Proud is now a four-time World Championships medalist – gold in 2022, bronze in 2023 and 2024 and silver in 2025.
Proud revealed he had still been suffering from the viral bug that has been circulating at the meet.
“All expectations just went out the window. The only important thing was getting through the rounds, making it to the final, and enjoying that process,” said Proud.
“The less-than-ideal run-up almost took the pressure off, hoping to sneak a podium spot. My analogy is I always want to be among the best, so when opportunities arise, I’m there to reap the rewards.
“I owe a lot to our British team doctor and coaches who managed my energy and got me through the symptoms to be ready for the final. Even an hour before the race, I just wanted to get a swim done, but we were planning my energy to peak at the final…and the fact I hit a 21.2 in a final, where it matters most, is something I’ll always be proud of.”
And a word on McEvoy:
“I’ll come second to Cameron any day. He’s a great advocate for the sport and sprinting, especially for senior swimmers,” said Proud.
Cam McEvoy salute (2) Singapore 2025
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