Paris Olympics: How Elijah Winnington went from 800m final disappointment to bronze medal in under an hour
Some swimmers never get the chance for Olympic redemption after producing an effort that’s below their best.
And some have an agonising four-year wait for their shot at turning it around.
For Elijah Winnington, that wait was thankfully much, much shorter: Just one hour.
The 24-year-old Queenslander struggled in the 800m freestyle final midway through day four’s evening session at Paris’ La Defense Arena, finishing last and a whopping 10.17 seconds behind winner Daniel Wiffen.
But there was no time to pout or wallow in reflection, as he backed up as part of Australia’s 4x200m freestyle relay unit. And redemption was coloured bronze as the team earned their place on the podium with an impressive effort behind Great Britain and the US.
Camera IconElijah Winnington on the blocks. Credit: DAVE HUNT/AAPIMAGE
Speaking after the race, Winnington said his tight-knit teammates Max Giuliani, Flynn Southam, and Tommy Neill had been the key to turning his fortunes around and producing a blistering split of 1.45.19.
“You’ve got to step up for the boys and for your country,” Winnington said on Nine.
“The 800 wasn’t what I wanted – I was much slower than the heat – but I had to turn it around for the 200.
“I kind of just went for it (in the 800m) but it just didn’t stick. But I had to turn that around, went back into the warm-down pool and reset.
“And that’s the fastest split I’ve ever done for a 200, so I’m really happy.
“It was good having these boys with me for encouragement.
“It’s a new race, and I just had to step up. I treated it like I was fresh again.”
The close nature of the Aussie quartet was evident when they spoke after receiving their medals – dubbed “dirty golds” by Neill.
Camera IconThe quartet on the podium. Credit: DEAN LEWINS/AAPIMAGE
With each team member aged just 24 or younger, their sights are firmly set on launching for the ultimate success at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
“The future’s so bright. I think the next Olympic cycle is ours,” Southam said.
“We’re so committed to this team and making Australia proud.”
Giuliani echoed the sentiment after helping the Aussies secure their eighth medal in the pool.
“I just love lifting for the boys,” he said.
“We’ve got the best team of boys here. We’re all young. 2028’s our year.”
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