Paris Olympics 2024: Australia set for more swimming finals after fleet of successful heats
Mollie O’Callaghan and Shayna Jack have bossed the final 50 metres of their 100-metre freestyle heat to claim an Australian one-two and cruise into the semifinal.
It comes as Kyle Chalmers confirmed his sensational return to form, winning his 100-metre freestyle heat in 48.07 seconds to qualify sixth fastest for the semifinals.
Despite O’Callaghan and Jack being the two fastest swimmers in the heat, they left plenty of time up their sleeves, going more than a second slower than they did during their winning relay efforts.
It’s already been a heavy load for the pair, with O’Callaghan tasting gold on day three by beating Ariarne Titmus in the 200-metre freestyle.
WA’s Josh Yong left it late in his 200-metre breaststroke heat and found himself half a stroke short of capturing a top-three time.
The 23-year-old was level with the leaders for much of the third lap, but a slow turn meant he had ground to make up in the last 50 metres.
He lifted his stroke rate impressively but was still left with a nervous wait to confirm a semifinal berth, but he made it through.
Reigning champion Zac Stubbelty-Cook left it even later, turning last with just 50 metres to swim after taking it very easy through the first 100.
But a swim of desperation or muscle flexing, it was hard to tell which, rescued the Aussie.
Australia’s Men’s 4×200 also did everything they needed to do to qualify for the final, slotting in behind Great Britain for much of their heat, finishing second just 0.5 of a second behind in optimistic signs of their medal hopes.
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