McEvoy sees himself in threat Chalmers

World No.1 Cameron McEvoy admits he can see himself in young threat Kyle Chalmers ahead of their 100m freestyle showdown at the Rio Olympic trials in Adelaide.

Cameron McEvoy swims

Cameron McEvoy (Pic) knows exactly what to expect from rival Kyle Chalmers in the 100m freestyle. (AAP)

World No.1 Cameron McEvoy knows exactly what to expect from young rival Kyle Chalmers in the 100m freestyle at the Rio Olympic swimming trials in Adelaide - himself.

McEvoy has not ruled out the threat of dual world champion James Magnussen upon his return from shoulder surgery.

But McEvoy couldn't help but be impressed by 17-year-old Chalmers ahead of the blue riband event - and also feel a sense of deja vu.

"He's got a huge spirit, he reminds me of myself and how I attacked races at that age," 21-year-old McEvoy said.

"He attacks them more than most people at any age.

"His times are not only unbelievable for his age, but for any athlete in this sport."

World junior champion Chalmers is already ranked in Australia's top-ten list of all-time 100m freestyle times.

And he does not show any signs of slowing down after setting a national age record and personal best at last week's Australian Age Championships in the same Adelaide pool that will host the Rio trials.

Chalmers looms as a spanner in the works for 2015 world silver medallist McEvoy and shock London Olympic runner-up Magnussen.

A top-two finish within the qualifying time in Monday night's 100m final will guarantee a Rio berth.

Relay spots will then come down to Australian head coach Jacco Verhaeren's discretion.

Three into two just won't go - not that McEvoy has to be reminded.

"There're only two spots and it will be quite a fight," McEvoy admitted.

But McEvoy backed himself after feeling he had come of age since his first Olympic trials in 2012 as a 17-year-old.

"Four years ago I didn't know what to expect - I have come a long way since then," McEvoy said.

"The 17-year-old who lined up at the blocks at London trials was scared about racing, now I know I belong."

At that same trials, Magnussen set a personal best 47.10 - second best on Australia's all-time list.

But he has never bettered it, much to the nation's shock during an underwhelming London Olympic campaign.

However, Magnussen, dubbed The Missile, as ever has backed himself to fire again in Adelaide.

"I am feeling confident. I always back my ability and this year is no different," Magnussen said.

"This is the first time in about six years I go into a race as the underdog and I am quite enjoying that."

Heats for the 100m freestyle start on Sunday.


Share

3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world