In a world-class field Emma McKeon and Cate Campbell clinched the two spots available in a blistering Women’s 100m Freestyle final. Heading to her fourth Olympics, Knox Pymble’s Campbell touched in 52.59 behind Griffith University’s McKeon, who added another individual swim to her program. The lightning-fast race saw four athletes come in under 53 seconds – setting up a strong defence of the 4x100m relay in Tokyo.
Campbell reflected on the week that was after her first swim of the meet.
“I tell you what, I think this week has been the most nerve-wracking week of my life,” she said.
“What a week it’s been in the pool. It’s such an exciting team to be a part of and going to a fourth Olympics, it’s something I’m extremely proud to say that I have achieved."
Setting a new world record in the Men’s 100m Backstroke Multi-Class on night five, USC Spartan Ben Hance has announced himself as a contender in Tokyo. Posting an exceptional time of 57.56, he bettered the official world record he set on the Gold Coast at the Australian Multi-Class Swimming Championships in April by 0.49 of a second.
Mitch Larkin showed his dominance in the first event of the night – the Men’s 200m Individual Medley – by taking an early lead which he never looked like giving up. Hitting the wall under the qualifying time in 1:56.29, the St Peters Western athlete has now achieved two individual swims at the Games after also qualifying in the 100m backstroke earlier in the meet.
Speaking after the race Larkin said he was happy with his performance.
"In warm-up I was actually feeling really good…so tonight was just about staying out of my head and letting it flow freely,” he said.
“I know in the 200 medley, the last 75 really burns and it's just a matter of digging deep and then holding on.”
In a successful night for the USC Spartan’s, Hance’s teammate Katja Dedekind (S13), continued her exceptional form at the Trials, breaking another Australian record and securing a qualifying time – this time in the Women’s 100m Backstroke Multi-Class. Clocking 1:07.16, the 19-year-old is going to take the momentum as she heads to her second Paralympic Games. Fellow Dolphin Jasmine Greenwood (S10) also qualified in the 100m backstroke for her classification with her time of 1:09.58.
Bond’s Jenna Strauch and St Peters Western’s Abbey Harkin thrilled the crowd in the Women’s 200m Breaststroke, as they powered home to achieve a one, two finish under the all important qualifying time of 2:24.18. Strauch attained line honours ahead of Harkin, with the duo posting personal best times of 2:23.12 and 2:23.59, respectively.
Tristan Hollard from Southport Olympic left nothing in the tank in the Men’s 200m Backstroke, pushing himself to the wall 1:56.44 to see him qualify for his first Games. Post-race a visibly emotional Hollard was overjoyed with his swim, coming under the required time of 1:57.26.
The Australian Swim Team for the Tokyo Paralympic Games was also unveiled on Wednesday night, click here to read about the team.
The final day of action from the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre kicks off tomorrow, with heats beginning at 10am local time. You can catch all the action live on Amazon Prime Video from 9:50am local time.
To view all the results from the night, click here.
