2024 Australian Olympic Qualifiers
The intense action continued on day three of the Australian 2024 Olympic Trials. Arianne Titmuss, Cameron McEvoy and Molly O'Callaghan Underwater.
The 30-year-old McEvoy became the first Australian man to qualify for a fourth Olympic Games. The Somerville House swimming star earned his place on the Paris field after winning the men's 50m freestyle in 21.35 seconds.
McEvoy's historic Olympic results include:
- 2012 London Olympics – Placed 4th and 5th in the preliminaries of the men's 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x200m freestyle relay respectively
- 2016 Rio Olympics – Bronze medal in the Men's 4x100m Freestyle Relay, Bronze medal in the Men's 4x100m Medley Relay
- Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Bronze Medal in the Men's 4x100m Freestyle Relay
Speaking about tonight's qualifier, McEvoy said: “About 18 months ago, my goal was just to come back and try this new way of training and see what happens.
“My achievements so far have shattered all expectations I had. I'm most excited to get this done (winning a medal in Paris) and then to take what I've learned and share it with the world.”
“If you listed all the names of legendary Australian men in this sport you could write a book – it's special,” the 30-year-old said.
“To have the privilege of holding a title like that and having that kind of longevity is a testament to the tenacity and perseverance I've had along the way.”
Check out performances from some of the top performers on night three below:
Arianne TitmussWomen's 400m Freestyle Gold Medalist, New World Record
“Honestly, the world record is a bonus,” Titmuss said.
“I'm happy to finally be able to swim in a way that suits my abilities and I'm excited to do it in my hometown.”
Timothy Hodge, S9 200m IM Multiclass, new record
“Winning a Paralympic gold medal would be the achievement of a lifetime. I've been fortunate enough to have won every major gold medal in my sport and set world records, so the only thing I'm really, really missing is a Paralympic gold medal,” Hodge said.
“If I can achieve that this year, it will be the ultimate achievement, and I know that even if my career ended tomorrow, I'd be satisfied.”
Men's 800m freestyle gold medalist Elijah Winnington
“Sam (Short) is not at his best. He's had some pretty tough weeks over the last few weeks. Six weeks from now it's a whole different story. I knew it was going to be tough, but I just wanted to stick to my guns and continue doing what I've been doing in the heat of the tournament. I'm just going to give it my all.”
winner Ahmed Kelly: SM3 Multiclass 150m IM
“I'm a bit tired. The last few days have been hectic, there's been a lot of pressure, adrenaline and stress, but now I know I'm going to Paris and I have some time to myself, which is a relief. I'm looking forward to the announcement.”
Ben Armbruster, Men's 50m Freestyle Silver Medalist
“It's a sense of relief. It's happiness. It's a mixture of everything and it's an incredible feeling.”
“I asked someone to slap me earlier because I feel like I’m dreaming.
“My family has worked so hard, overcoming obstacles to support me and get me to this point, so I think it's just a relief for them, and for me, to know that all the hard work that they've put in has finally paid off.”
