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.”
Shayna Jack was part of the team that won the 4x200m relay at the 2023 World Championships.(Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
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.”