This article originally appeared in the 2024 Olympics Preview edition of SwimSwam Magazine, courtesy of author James Sutherland. Subscribe to SwimSwam Magazine here.
Please note that this article was written prior to several major national Olympic trials, including those for Australia and the United States.
Representing their country in an Olympic relay is a source of pride for swimmers, and that patriotism is usually expressed in outstanding performances on sport's biggest stage.
Heading into Paris, the relay rankings have changed significantly from Tokyo. Below is a brief breakdown of each relay and who has stood on top of the podium at major events since the last Olympics.
Men's 400m Freestyle Relay – Defending champions: USA
Since Tokyo:
- 2022 World Champion: USA, 3:09.34
- 2023 World Champion: Australia, 3:10.16
- 2024 World Champion: China, 3:11.08
The United States is adding new talent to the 100m freestyle. Jack Alexie and Chris Juliano,and Caleb Dressel Australia will come out on top, but if Australia Kyle Chalmers Jumping in as the anchor would ruin everything. Italy have been consistent winners in recent years and could be the one to pull off a surprise.
Men's 800m Freestyle Relay – Defending champions: Great Britain
Since Tokyo:
- 2022 World Champion: USA, 7:00.24
- 2023 World Champion: Great Britain, 6:59.08
- 2024 World Champion: China, 7:01.84
The British men's team has emerged as the favourites to win the gold medal since their dominating performance in Tokyo, when they handed the US their first Olympic defeat in 20 years in the 800m freestyle relay.Tom Dean, Duncan ScottMatt Richards James Guy–It would take something really special to dethrone them. The USA are good, but not as good as Great Britain. China and South Korea put up a great fight at the Asian Games last year and should be competing for the bronze medal along with Australia.
Men's 400m Medley Relay – Defending champions: USA
Since Tokyo:
- 2022 World Champion: Italy, 3:27.51
- 2023 World Champion: USA, 3:27.20
- 2024 World Champion: USA, 3:29.80
The U.S. men broke the world record for the supersuit en route to winning gold in Tokyo, and their unbeaten medley relay record was in question during the Olympics, but not now. At the 2022 World Championships, Italy missed out on gold, and China looked to have enough firepower to beat them. But the 2023 World Championships says a lot, as the U.S. won by 1.8 seconds and is expected to finish second. Caleb DresselThey might win the 100m freestyle and fly in Paris – if all their Chinese swimmers are at their best then they have a chance, but it's unlikely, as is Italy's doubtful butterfly.
Women's 400m Freestyle Relay – Defending champions: Australia
Since Tokyo:
- 2022 World Champion: Australia, 3:30.95
- 2023 World Champion: Australia, 3:27.96
- 2024 World Champion: Netherlands, 3:36.61
Australia have proven unbeatable in this discipline when in full form, winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals and three consecutive World Championships ahead of Doha 2024. The 2023 World Championships was the last true best-on-best competition we saw, and Australia broke the world record to win gold by nearly four seconds. Molly O'Callaghan Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack The addition of Meg Harris to the team gives the team a depth that is unmatched, with athletes fast enough to top the 100m individual freestyle podium in Paris, and barring disqualification, a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal is a certainty.
Women's 800m Freestyle Relay – Defending champions: China
Since Tokyo:
- 2022 World Champion: USA, 7:41.45
- 2023 World Champion: Australia, 7:37.50
- 2024 World Champion: China, 7:47.26
The women's 800m freestyle relay, one of the best races of the Tokyo Olympics, is expected to be a tight race again in Paris. Australia was the favorite to win in 2021 but finished on the podium in third place. With a powerful one-two punch of 200m freestyle world record holder Molly O'Callaghan and the defending Olympic champion, there is no denying that Australia is once again the front-runner. Arianne TitmussAmerica has an ace. Katie Ledeckyis surrounded by a young core of athletes who have proven they can perform under pressure at the past two World Championships, and China should be back in the race, albeit as a wild card. Yang JunxuanThe 2022 World Championships 200m freestyle champion is leading the charge.
Women's 400m Medley Relay – Defending champions: Australia
Since Tokyo:
- 2022 World Champion: USA, 3:53.78
- 2023 World Champion: USA, 3:52.08
- 2024 World Champion: Australia, 3:55.98
The U.S. has no weaknesses in the women's medley relay, a step above Australia, which has struggled in the breaststroke competition in recent years, and the two teams essentially cancel each other out in the other three strokes, where the U.S. boasts the world record holders in the 100 meters. Lily King and the defending Olympic champion. Lydia JacobyAt the 2023 World Championships, Australia finished 1.29 seconds behind the United States in the breaststroke, more than two seconds behind. Team Canada has had the same issues as Australia recently, but with several breaststrokers performing well early in the season, Australia could very well have a shot at the silver medal, especially. Penny Oleksiak He was back to his best form on the anchor leg.
Mixed 400m Medley Relay – Defending champions: Great Britain
Since Tokyo:
- 2022 World Champion: USA, 3:38.79
- 2023 World Champion: China, 3:38.57
- 2024 World Champion: USA, 3:40.22
The mixed 400m medley is the hardest relay to predict, with the lineup not decided until an hour or two before the final. China, the United States and Australia are all capable of competing for the gold medal, but defending Olympic champions Great Britain are Adam Peaty They're in great form. The U.S. is in a favorable position because they're the only team that can claim to have medal contenders in both the men's and women's 100 meters. The U.S. made a mistake in the rankings in Tokyo and missed out on the podium, but it will be interesting to see if they can pull it off in Paris.
