It’s no secret that Australian women’s swimming is at an exceptional level.
But the women's 200m freestyle takes it to a whole new level.
This event will be one of the most hotly contested in the Australian Qualifiers, with some of Australia's best athletes battling it out to not only secure one of the two individual spots, but also a place on the relay team that will be gunning for gold in Paris.
The depth of the field is truly staggering, led by world record holder Molly O'Callaghan and former Olympic champion Ariarne Titmuss.
“Our women's 200m is definitely a strong team,” said Shayna Jack, who placed sixth in the heats.
“It’s a horrible event to be a part of.
“There are so many great female athletes in this event and we all know what an honour it is to represent Australia in the 200m and 4x200m because we have the world records.”
“Everybody has to work hard this morning.”
All four women competed in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2023 World Championships – O'Callaghan, Jack, Titmuss and Brianna Throssell – who set a world record of 7 minutes 37.50 seconds – and all made it to the final.
Lani Pallister, who swam the heats prior to the world record swim, also made it through to the final, but Kia Melverton, who also swam the heats, could only manage 12th place.
“I've qualified for two world championships in a row and this is the worst,” Pallister, who qualified with the third-fastest time, said after Wednesday morning's qualifying round.
“I understand the importance of playing a role and all that, but I think there's a big difference between having the opportunity to play in a final or not.
“I think this is one of the most important events in Australia and one where we have a chance to do really well.”
Also competing were three women who won bronze medals at the 2020 Olympics: Leah Neal, Meg Harris and Tamsin Cook, with Harris qualifying for Wednesday night's final in the seventh-fastest time.
The Olympic bronze medal, behind the United States and China, is still a bittersweet achievement.
“I think everyone has probably been thinking about it every day since Tokyo,” Pallister said.
“I know Dean. [Boxall] There is a relay coach.
“I have complete confidence in him. [to pick the right squad]”
On the positive side, Australia will be at full strength in Paris.
The world record-breaking Fukuoka team will be missing only Maddie Wilson, who announced her pregnancy with her fiancé, Australian cricketer Matt Short, over Christmas.
O'Callaghan, who made the Olympic team in the 100m backstroke on Tuesday, told media she was “very, very nervous” about the 200m freestyle.
“There's a lot of pressure in this event, especially with the world record on the line,” she said.
“Whatever happens, I want to be selected for the team for this event and do the best I can.”
She showed confidence in leading the first heat of the day, overtaking fast-starting 18-year-old Hannah Casey and qualifying in the second-fastest time behind 400m world record holder Titmuss, who easily won the second heat.
Jamie Perkins (4th) and Brittany Castelluzzo (8th) qualified for tonight's final, which Jack said is one to watch.
“It's going to be hot tonight,” she said.
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