He has been conspicuous by his absence at the world swimming championships in Russia.
But Australia's James Magnussen has been ever present for Cameron McEvoy as he looks to claim the injured dual world champion's 100m freestyle title in Kazan on Friday (AEST).
After an inexplicable decision to rest McEvoy for the 4x100m freestyle heats and also without the injured Magnussen (shoulder), Australia sensationally failed to qualify for the final last weekend.
But McEvoy said the sprint king had kept in contact, adding further confidence after emerging as fastest qualifier for the blue riband 100m final.
"I have spoken to him a few times," McEvoy revealed.
"And the whole team had him on Facetime a few days ago and I know he will be right behind me cheering me on tomorrow night."
McEvoy has emerged as a worthy gold medal favourite in Magnussen's absence after breaking the 48 second barrier in a semi-final for the first time to be fastest 100m qualifier at Kazan.
McEvoy (47.94 seconds) set the pace ahead of China's Ning Zetao while Olympic and defending world champion Nathan Adrian of the US could only manage fifth fastest.
It added to his glorious recent 100m form which has secured the 2014 Pan Pacs title and three wins in four meets against Magnussen.
No wonder McEvoy said he was not feeling the pressure to step up in Magnussen's absence in the 100m final in Kazan.
"I don't look at the race as pressure or stepping up," he said.
"I am trying to get up there and do what I have been practising the last 12 months and come out with the best time.
"It's 0.6 of a second between me and eighth.
"That's a bad turn, that's what sprinting is like.
"(But) I know what I've done the past 12 months and it does make me excited to get up and do the final."
McEvoy's winning chances only improved after equal world No.1 ranked Russian Vladimir Morozov was disqualified in the semi-finals for a false start.
"I feel for him. It would be tough to go through that ...especially in your home country when you're one of the favourites in the race," McEvoy said of Morozov.
"It won't be easy to recuperate but I bet he will be back faster than ever next year in Rio.
"(But) I will be doing the same race plan regardless of who is in the final and regardless of what lane I am in."
McEvoy has quickly reversed his Kazan fortunes after surprisingly finishing dead last in a blistering 200m freestyle final earlier in the week.
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