
The Swimming World Aquatics Championships got underway on July 14 in Budapest. Performers at the opening ceremony welcomed some of the world's best athletes to Hungary's capital.

Diving was one of the first disciplines to get underway. Here, Patrick Hausding of Germany competes in the men's 1M springboard final. He finished fourth, just missing out on a medal.

These world championships are the largest sporting event Hungary has ever hosted.

A new swimming and diving arena -- the Dagaly Budapest Aquatics Complex -- was opened on the eastern bank of the Danube ahead of the championships. Tina Punzel of Germany (pictured) finished sixth in the women's 1M final.

From July 14-30, almost 3,000 athletes will compete in six disciplines and 75 competitions during the 17 days.

The city had just four years to prepare for the event -- instead of the usual six -- after initial host, Guadalajara in Mexico, pulled out.

Katinka Hosszu is one of swimming's greats and has achieved legendary status in her native Hungary. A three-time Olympic gold medalist in Rio, she has already thrilled home crowds once this week with victory in the women's 200m individual medley final.

Tom Daley of Great Britain celebrates his gold medal in the men's 10M platform Saturday.

In total, 75 gold medal are up for grabs, one of which was won by Great Britain's Adam Peaty in the 100m breaststroke. The Olympic champion now holds the top 10 fastest times in history in that event.

USA's Katie Ledecky stunned the world as a teenager at Rio 2016 by winning four gold medals. She has made a winning start in Hungary, claiming gold in both the 400m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle.

The Australian water polo team huddle during their match against Brazil. Named after Hungary's first Olympic gold medalist, the Alfred Hajós swimming complex will host all the water polo matches.

Water polo is one of this championships more brutal sports. Hungary star Ádám Decker told CNN: "We always hold the enemy. We sometimes punch (and kick)."

Russia compete in the women's team free routine during the synchronized swimming competition.



