McKeown, Titmus Sizzle As Australian Trials Wrap Up
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published June 17, 2021 | 05:00 PM
Adelaide, Australia, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jun, 2021 ) :Kaylee McKeown capped a perfect build-up to the Tokyo Olympics with the year's fastest 200m backstroke at the Australian trials Thursday, while Ariarne Titmus fired another warning to American great Katie Ledecky.
The 19-year-old McKeown, who smashed the 100m backstroke world record this week, set a new Commonwealth mark of 2 mins 04.28 secs as she counts down to Japan and a crack at three individual gold medals.
Titmus has also been red-hot, clocking the second-fastest time ever in the 200m and 400m freestyle in recent days, events in which she will go head-to-head with Ledecky in Japan.
She sent another message to her rival in the 800m, cruising to a new Australian record 8:15.57, with only the American superstar better this year.
McKeown has been scintillating all season and was unstoppable again on Thursday, the final day of the six-day trials in Adelaide.
She was under US star Regan Smith's world-record pace for much of the race before slowing at the death, but still clocked the year's best.
Emily Seebohm, the 2015 and 2017 world champion, was second in 2:06.38 as she readies for a fourth Olympics, having also qualified in the 100m back.
"It definitely hurt a lot in the last 15... it's been a long week," said McKeown, who has also qualified for the 200m individual medley, where she owns the world's best time this season.
"After the 100m backstroke it definitely took the pressure off and I just came out tonight and gave it my best." Titmus admitted that backing up from the 200m was hard work.
"It's definitely tough after a 200m, I mean being a sprinter for a day and then having to come up to the 800 and try and reassess how I'm going to swim the race," she said.
"But I'm really happy that I could do a PB (personal best). I'll look back at how the race went and see what I can improve on for Tokyo." Elsewhere, Emma McKeon, another strong multiple gold medal contender, added a fourth individual event to her Tokyo programme when she won the 50m freestyle in a sizzling 23:93.
She will also swim the 100m and 200m, along with the 100m butterfly and relays in Japan, owning world-class times in all events this year.
Veteran Cate Campbell matched McKeon in going under 24 seconds to book her spot in the splash and dash. The only other swimmer to breach the magic mark this year is the Netherlands' Ranomi Kromowidjojo.
Matthew Temple announced himself as a serious medal prospect in the 100m butterfly, touching in a new Australian record 50:45, the world's second-quickest this year.
David Morgan (51:67) was second, with both men qualifying.
Pop star turned swimmer Cody Simpson made the final but finished last in 52:94. It was nevertheless an incredible achievement after only returning to the pool competitively last year following a 10-year absence.
"Just to be out here racing with the best butterflyers in the country is pretty awesome," said Simpson, who has made three albums and publicly dated celebrities Miley Cyrus and Gigi Hadid.
Jack McLoughlin, who had already made the grade for the 400m and 800m freestyle, added the 1500m to his demanding Olympic schedule, touching in 14:52.69.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PTA Undertakes Consultation with All Pakistan Network Association (APNA) on Prop ..
Azam Khan likely to miss T20I series against Kiwis due to discomfort in right kn ..
Badar Shahbaz Warraich appointed as PM’s media coordinator
Finance Minister rules out rupee devaluation in talks with IMF
National team determined for good performance against New Zealand: Babar Azam
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 18 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 18 April 2024
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
4 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
4 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
7 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
11 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
18 days ago