A serious threat to James Magnussen's Rio 2016 ambitions has emerged from within his own team at the world championships.
Australian teenager Cameron McEvoy further signalled his exciting potential with a PB of 47.88 seconds to finish fourth behind Magnussen in Thursday's 100m freestyle final in Barcelona.
In doing so the 19-year-old became the fastest ever teenager in the event and he's likely to be peaking for the next Olympics in three years time.
Magnussen has welcomed McEvoy's emergence, both from an Australian relay team perspective and for the fact he'll have a world class rival to push him along in his own backyard.
"It sets up a great lead in to the Olympics," Magnussen said.
"It means there is great competition back home in Australia and I think it's a massive step for him to step up in an international final.
"He is in a similar position to what I was a few years ago now.
"I will definitely give him a big pat on the back after that one because I know how tough it can be to go out and hold your nerve in a final like that, especially at his age."
McEvoy, coached by Richard Scarce, showed maturity beyond his years to keep his composure in Thursday's final, where he was drawn in the outside lane next to Vladimir Morozov.
The Russian set a scorching early pace, a tactic that ruined the race plan of many of his rivals, but McEvoy wasn't drawn into it.
"Last year leading off the relay, I was next to another Russian and he went out really quick and I went with him, thinking I must be swimming slow and I blew the last lap," McEvoy said.
"So this time I knew I was a little bit behind but I knew not to panic and stay composed for that second lap."
McEvoy also reached the 200m freestyle final in Barcelona, finishing seventh.
He's surprised himself with how well he's handled the big-meet pressure this week and is excited about the future knowing how much improvement is still possible.
"There are so many areas I can go home and improve on, not only in the 100 but in the 200 and even general fitness," he said.
"To be fourth in the world now is just awesome. I'm not going to sleep tonight."
