Atkinson disqualified at World Swimming Short Course Championships
Published:Thursday | December 16, 2021 | 11:59 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
Champion swimmer Alia Atkinson will not defend her 50m breaststroke world title after she was disqualified in her semi-final heat at the World Short Course (25m pool) Swimming Champions in Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning.
Atkinson 33, is the world record holder in the event and won the title in 2018 in China. She finished first but was penalised for an alleged downward dolphin kick before she touched the wall. The disqualification was reportedly picked up by underwater cameras and no line judge.
Barring a reversal in the decision, Atkinson's disqualification will be the eighth to take place in the women's 50m breaststroke event in today's opening session, with medal threat Arianna Castiglioni of Italy. Additionally, eight men have been disqualified so far from the men's 100m breaststroke.
The World Short Course Swimming Championships is scheduled to be Atkinson's final competition of her decade long career.