Australia has the chance to deliver a stellar start at the Paris Olympics in the pool, with four sets of medals up for grabs in the finals of the men’s and women’s 400m freestyle and men’s and women’s 4x100m freestyle relay. With Ariarne Titmus and the all-conquering women’s relay leading the way, it could be one of the nation’s most bountiful days in Paris.
Women’s 400m freestyle
Ariarne Titmus is the Olympic champion and world record holder, and now has the chance to defend the gold medal she famously won in Tokyo.
Standing in her way will be American rival Katie Ledecky and 17-year-old Canadian star Summer McIntosh.
Ariarne defeated both in a resounding statement at the World Championships in 2023 and will be looking to repeat that performance on Saturday night at the La Défense Arena.
Men’s 400m freestyle
This shapes up as one of the best races on the Paris program, with Australians Sam Short and Elijah Winnington taking on a field headlined by three-time World Championship medallist Lukas Martens from Germany and reigning world champion Woomin Kim.
Sam and Elijah are both recent world champions, while Martens has the quickest 400m time of the past decade on his resume, following a blistering 3:40.33 at his country’s trials in April.
Kim’s winning time from the 2024 World Championships in Doha was 3:42.71 with Elijah taking silver just 0.15 seconds behind.
Women’s 4x100m freestyle relay
Australia has dominated this event since London and will chase a remarkable fourth consecutive gold medal.
World champion Mollie O’Callaghan looks set to take the anchor role made famous by the recently retired Cate Campbell, while Shayna Jack will race for gold on the first night of her debut Olympic Games.
Meg Harris, Bronte Campbell, Olivia Wunsch, and Emma McKeon are in contention for the final two spots if the Australians qualify for the final.
Men’s 4x100m freestyle relay
Australia won this event at the 2023 World Championships and will be highly motivated to top the podium in Paris.
However, with Team USA throwing down the gauntlet at their Olympic trials, Team GB bringing the heat and Italy, China, and Canada all boasting strong squads, the competition will be electric.
One thing is certain, Kyle Chalmers will be ready to deliver a booming anchor leg for his team. William Yang finished second at the Australian trials and will suit up, with Jack Cartwright, Zac Incerti, Flynn Southam and newcomer Kai Taylor, the son of swimming great Hayley Lewis, all vying for a final spot.
If they can keep the Aussies in touch, Chalmers might just create more history in the Olympic pool.
Phil Lutton
