Teenager Kyle Chalmers has surprised everyone to break Australia’s drought in the men’s 100 metres freestyle final with a stunning come-from-behind victory.
The 18-year-old Chalmers was seventh at the halfway mark but stormed home in the final 50 metres to touch the wall at a personal best of 47.58 seconds.
Fellow Aussie Cameron McEvoy finished seventh with a time of 48.12, while Belgian Pieter Timmers (47.80) took home silver and defending champion Nathan Adrian (47.85) got bronze.
Fellow Aussie Cameron McEvoy congratulates Kyle Chalmers on his win.
Cameron McEvoy was not only gracious in defeat, he was generous.
Despite having high hopes to take out the event McEvoy was all class in his post-race chat with Channel Seven’s Nathan Templeton.
“Not the best [race]. My preparation was good all year round and it was probably just the last week or so I imagine that has probably thrown me,” McEvoy said.
“But enough about me. Kyle’s come in and done another PB on top of the PB he did at the [Olympic] trials. He’s just turned 18 and he’s an Olympic champion — that’s bloody wonderful isn’t it.”
Australia has not taken home gold in the event since 1968, when Michael Wenden won in Mexico City.
Chalmers – a school student at Adelaide’s Immanuel College – got a warm reaction from his classmates watching at home.
Fellow Aussie athletes also sent their congratulations to the young swimmer.
