The 2009 World Championships in Swimming took place in Rome, Italy, from July 26 to August 2. This event featured top swimmers from around the world competing in various disciplines, including freestyle, butterfly, and breaststroke. The championships were notable for the introduction of high-tech swimsuits, which many athletes wore to break numerous world records. A total of 43 world records were set during the competition, showcasing the incredible talent and advancements in swimming technology at the time.