Spectators of the International Swimming League in London saw the two clubs win enough points to finish as the top two clubs in the European leg, seeing them through to the final in Las Vegas.
Wins from Minna Atherton, Duncan Scott and Adam Peaty meant London Roar took the lead early on Sunday in front of a home crowd, who finished second behind Energy Standard on Saturday.
London Roar teammates Atherton and Emma McKeon also lead the MVP (Most Valuable Player) table in front of Chad Le Clos and Sarah Sjostrom, to name a few.
🚨 MVP UPDATE – Day 1 🚨@MinnaAtherton and @emma_mckeon lead but they have some heavy hitters on their heels#AquaPower #ISL2019 pic.twitter.com/EBxYGIH4x3
— International Swimming League (@iswimleague) November 24, 2019
But Energy Standard’s Chad Le Clos clinched the title by the end of the weekend as he helped his club finish undefeated at the top of the table.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Ql4MKF2D3/
The weekend was not without drama as Energy Standard were disqualified after winning the 4x100m freestyle relay due to a poor changeover.
BLINK AND YOU'LL MISS IT! 👀
This is the changeover that cost @energy_standard the victory in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay.
Will it prove to be costly going into day two?#AquaPower 🏊♀ #ISL2019 pic.twitter.com/puNDLqhhuT
— International Swimming League (@iswimleague) November 23, 2019
The atmosphere at the event was unlike any other swimming competition, with the fast-paced races and team-based format a clear crowd-pleaser.
Fair to say this is not like any swim meet I’ve ever been to – and it is awesome @iswimleague pic.twitter.com/m83uDTJMJ7
— pullbuoy (@pullbuoy) November 24, 2019
Incredible atmosphere here in London, @iswimleague is exactly what the sport needed! 🏊🏻♀️ Come on team @ISL_LondonRoar!!! 💪🏻 #ISL2019 #Londonroar pic.twitter.com/4IcVgX1J3w
— Emily Jevons (@emily_jevons) November 23, 2019
Fantastic atmosphere at an event that will hopefully take this wonderful sport to the next level. @iswimleague thanks for delivering something relevant and great for swimmers and fans alike #Aquapower #ISL2019 https://t.co/7L2xYXHuVD
— Lara Jubb (@LaraJubb) November 23, 2019
The male and female skins races also made for a thrilling end to the weekend, with eight swimmers racing each other over 50m for a place in the top four, before the top two from the second round battle it out in a final showdown to determine the winner.
1) Sarah Sjostrom
2) Ranomi Kromowidjojo
3) Emma McKeon
4) Kayla SanchezAll make it through to the semi-finals of Skin in London. #AquaPower 🏊♀ #ISL2019 pic.twitter.com/o769GpZxmd
— International Swimming League (@iswimleague) November 24, 2019
And it's Sarah Sjostrom and Ranomi Kromowidjojo through to the Skins final!
WHO WILL WIN IT?#AquaPower 🏊♀ #ISL2019 pic.twitter.com/140hdTFg5s
— International Swimming League (@iswimleague) November 24, 2019
KROMOWIDJOJO WINS SKINS!
The Team Iron swimmer beats @sarahsjo in the final to remain unbeaten in the knockout competition.#AquaPower 🏊♀ #ISL2019 pic.twitter.com/UNOMXKXQul
— International Swimming League (@iswimleague) November 24, 2019
The brand-new event has been praised by athletes for its fresh take on the sport, after FINA controversially prevented the event from going ahead in 2018.
The final in Las Vegas will take place from 20th to 21st December at Mandalay Bay Resort, and will include US teams LA Current and Cali Condors alongside Energy Standard and London Roar.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5QmiWalLFl/
For more information, read Voice of London’s guide to the International Swimming League.
Words: Alysia Georgiades | Featured Images: Serena Repice Lentini on Unsplash