As Gaines approached the finish line, spectators couldn’t believe their eyes. Lia Thomas, known for leaving competitors in her aquatic wake, was left befuddled, wondering if someone had switched the pool water with decaf. It’s safe to say, Thomas didn’t see this coming – she’s used to breaking records, not hearing them crack as Gaines zooms by.

The post-race interview with Gaines was a comedic masterpiece. When asked about her training secrets, she nonchalantly revealed that she substituted her water intake with a concoction of pure espresso and fish oil. “I figured if I can’t swim faster, I can at least caffeinate my way to victory,” she chuckled.

Twitter exploded with memes and gifs, depicting Gaines riding a turbo-charged dolphin while Thomas sipped herbal tea in the slow lane. Memes aside, Gaines’ triumph sparked a national debate on whether coffee should be considered a performance-enhancing drug in swimming.

In a press conference, Gaines diplomatically suggested a rematch with Thomas, but this time in a giant cup of coffee rather than a swimming pool. “Let’s see who floats and who sinks when the stakes are a venti latte,” she quipped, leaving everyone in stitches.