Australia's swimmers have completed the World Aquatics Championships in uncharted waters with a record-breaking haul of medals - and as the world's number one swimming nation.
The Dolphins won 25 medals overall in Japan and also topped the gold medal tally in Fukuoka with 13, equalling the nation's golden high-water mark of 2005 and 2001.
The Aussies amassed an impressive 13 gold medals, 7 silvers and 5 bronze rendering this competition the second time since the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne that Australia has beaten the United States in the medal table at an elite international meet.
The last occasion was ironically also in Fukuoka at the 2001 edition of the World Championships.
Claiming golds in both the men’s and women’s medley relays on the final evening helped the United States frog-hop China to land #2 in the medal table, taking home the most medals with 38, comprised of 7 golds, 20 silvers and 11 bronze. China’s 5 golds ensured a 3rd place medal table finish.
"I am just proud of the fact they were able to get up on the big stage and do that," Swimming Australia's head coach Rohan Taylor said.
Queenslander Mollie O'Callaghan departs with five gold medals and a silver - the 19-year-old featured in three of Australia's four World Records at the meet.
And her teammate Kaylee McKeown was named Female Swimmer Of The Year after her sweep of backstroke golds over 50 metres, 100m and 200m.
"I am happy with what I have done this week," McKeown said.
"But I have teammates like Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O'Callaghan who have broken world records this week.
"As proud as I am, I feel like I should share that (award) with my teammates.
"I never thought in a million years I would be named swimmer of the year but it's pretty cool."
