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For the first time in Australian swimming history, someone has won the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle titles, and in world-class times.
Swimming at the Australian Championships in Adelaide – which have doubled as the 2016 Olympic Games selection trials – Cameron McEvoy booked his tickets to Rio with the feat, giving himself a great chance to come home with some golden souvenirs.
The 50 freestyle first appeared 34 years ago, so it’s taken that long to achieve the triple feat – both for men and women.
Last night the 21-year-old turned the Adelaide pool into a washing machine in the ‘splash and dash’ event to clock in at 21.44, the second fastest time in the world this year behind Frenchman Florent Manaudou’s 21.42.
The world record of 20.91 is held by Brazilian Cesar Cielo, set in a supersuit. The textile world best is also held by Cielo, at 21.32.
Earlier this week McEvoy claimed the 100 with a sensational 47.04 that not only broke the Commonwealth and Australian records, but was the fastest time in the world this year, the third fastest in history, and the fastest time ever wearing a textile swimsuit.
Cielo holds the supersuit world record of 46.91, with McEvoy now the textile world best with his 47.04.
McEvoy is clearly the fastest in the world this year, well ahead of China’s Zetao Ning’s 47.96, and American Jeremy Stravius’ 47.97.
The clock couldn’t separate McEvoy and Thomas Fraser-Holmes in the 200 final in 1.45.63, sharing second fastest in the world this year, behind Japan’s Kosuke Hagino’s 1.45.50.
The world record 1.42.00 is held by Germany’s Paul Biedermann in a supersuit, the textile world-best is owned by Frenchman Yannick Agnel with 1.43.14.
So McEvoy is right up there in all three events as Rio approaches, and it’s reasonable to assume he will only swim faster with the Olympic Games atmosphere.
But, like any sport, while McEvoy’s on a career high, former world champion James Magnussen has been gutted twice.
There’s no doubt he will make the relay squad that has genuine Rio gold medal prospects, but finishing fourth in the 100 final, and third in last night’s 50 final – by just two-fifths out of second – means the 25-year-old has run out of individual options when the Australian team is announced tonight.
Having made the tough decision to undergo shoulder surgery, Magnussen was always going to be a bit short on preparation.
“I guess that’s where I’m at, I have done everything possible to get back, there was nothing else I could have done, I’ve crossed every t, and dotted every i,” was his heartfelt explanation.
That’s taking nothing away from the exciting 17-year Kyle Chambers in the 100, and Matthew Abood in the 50, who both thoroughly earned their Rio berths in denying Magnussen individual selection.
But Magnussen deserves a salute for the way he handled his bitter double disappointment with his head held high.
Tonight will be the final session, highlghted by yet another titanic tussle between the Campbell sisters – Cate and Bronte.
Cate edged her world champion little sister Bronte out in the 100 final by a fingernail. Tonight they will be head-to-head again in adjoining lanes, after Cate smashed her own Commonwealth and Australia record last night with 23.93 in the semis – just one-fifth of a second outside the world record.
But little sister is the reigning world champion, so don’t miss it live tonight on Channel Seven. It will be well worth it, despite having to cope with the bombardment of commercials just to keep the events apart.