Olympic Swimming News
Catch up on all the swimming results from the Tokyo Olympic games.
What an Olympic Games!
We have 3 Speedo Ambassadors who won 2 Individual Gold Medals each and 1 who won 1 Individual Gold.
However, the story is about EMMA MCKEON who has become Australia’s most decorated Olympian EVER with 11 medals. We are so proud to have sponsored Emma since she was an up-and-coming teenager.
9 Ambassadors represented us at the Games, what a representation of #TeamSpeedo!
Finals Day 9 – Sunday 1st August
Women’s 50 Freestyle FINAL
She did it. Emma McKeon won her 2rd Individual Gold in an Olympic Record becoming Australia’s most decorated Olympian with 10 medals (before the relay!) and won by quite some margin for a 50m race.
Men’s 50 freestyle FINAL
The sprint King, Caleb Dressel made it 3 Individual Golds by also winning with quite a margin for a 21 second race.
Men’s 1500 m Freestyle FINAL
This ended up being the most closely contested 1500m in Olympic history. Robert Finke from USA was the eventual winner.
Women’s 4 x 100 Medley Relay FINAL
Golds just keep coming! This nail biting race was won by Australia just touching out USA for Gold. Emma McKeon popped another medal around her neck to go 2 better than Australian legends Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones. Kaylee McKeown swam the backstroke leg and got them a good solid start.
Men’s 4 x 100 Medley Relay FINAL
Australia was looking to finish off the Games with another medal but after a stunning effort, it wasn’t to be. This is the only relay Australia did not win a medal in which looks like a bit of a disappointment but in other countries, swimmers who win a relay medal are hero’s so we can still recognise their great effort for coming 5th. Zac Stubblety- Cook swam the breaststroke leg doing the sprint which isn’t his favourite!
Preview Finals Day 9 – Sunday 1st August
The last session of swimming. Enjoy!
Women’s 50 Freestyle FINAL
Currently equal with Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones as Australia’s most decorated Olympians with 9 medals each, Emma McKeon can win any colour medal in this event and make history. I say any colour but looking at her form rocking Speedo Pure Intent, it has every chance of being Gold. Cate Campbell will be looking for another individual medal so don’t count her out.
Men’s 50 freestyle FINAL
Eyes will be on Caleb Dressel attempting to win his 3rd Individual Gold also wearing Speedo Pure Intent. Always a splash and dash and anyone’s race but going on current form, a bit like Emma, the chances
Men’s 1500 m Freestyle FINAL
With no Aussies in the final, it doesn’t mean it won’t be an exciting race. The 3 medallists in the 800m will be battling out for the medals again in the 1500m. Ukraine’s Speedo Ambassador Misha Romanchuck is fastest qualifier so will be hoping to swap his 800 m bronze for the Gold.
Women’s 4 x 100 Medley Relay FINAL
This will be the last race for 2 of our Queens of the pool, Emma McKeon and Kaylee McKeown. This could be where Kaylee grabs her 3rd Gold and Emma becomes the most decorated Australian Olympian in history. Even though we have our Queens in this relay, it isn’t a guaranteed medal as USA have a strong breaststroke leg.
Men’s 4 x 100 Medley Relay FINAL
As it comes down to the last event, Australia will be looking to finish off the Games with another medal. If the women win a medal in their relay and the men follow, it will mean Australia will have won a medal in every relay at this Games. It just goes to show our incredible depth and patriotism. I hope I don’t eat my words.
Semi Finals and Finals Day 8 – Saturday 31st July
Men’s 100 m Butterfly FINAL
Australia’s Matt Temple put in a great swim to come equal 5th putting Australia back on the map in this event. As predicted, USA Speedo Ambassador Caleb Dressel not only won Gold but broke the World Record and became the second man in history to win both the 100 Fly and 100 Free alongside Mark Spitz.
Women’s 200 m Backstroke FINAL
Giving us all a little nervous moment, Kaylee McKeown dug deep in the last 50 to overcome Canadian Speedo Ambassador Kylie Masse to win her 2nd Gold. An amazing story but also an amazing story with Emily Seebohm having an amazing last lap and grabbing the Bronze. Such a lovely touch with Kaylee asking Emily to share the podium with her as the Australian National anthem was played. Kaylee’s admiration for Emily.
Women’s 800 m Freestyle FINAL
It looked like Ariarne Titmus was swimming a little slower than usual as there was more distance between herself and Katie Ledecky than in the other Titmus v Ledecky battles. However, to put it in perspective, Ariarne broke the Commonwealth record but still had to settle for Silver. An amazing week from her. Hats off to Katie Ledecky retaining her Olympic atitle for the 3rd time. Kiah Melverton also had a great swim with a PB.
Women’s 50 Freestyle SEMI-FINAL
Yet another Olympic Record for Emma McKeon in the semi-final with a super fast last 6 meters. Others in the race are so speedy on the first 25 that in tomorrow’s final, we may not see Emma in contention until the latter part of the race. Cate Campbell is also through.
Men’s 50 freestyle SEMI-FINAL
To make the semi- final, the boys yesterday had to swim faster than 22 seconds and today faster than 21.8 seconds to make the final. Can we see Caleb Dressel win his 3rd Individual Gold tomorrow? The chances are good.
Mixed 4 x 100 m Medley Relay FINAL
With this tactical race, we saw the lead change several times in interesting fashion Australia ended up swimming Kaylee McKeown, Zac Stubblety -Cook, Matt Temple and Emma McKeon so a nice show of SPEEDO in the Bronze medal winning team. Both Emma and Kaylee had raced earlier in the programme so great to see their back up, both mentioning it isn’t as hard as it looks as they do a lot worse in training! GBR won in a new World Record where they do have that advantage of the great Adam Peaty being so far ahead in terms of breaststroke times.
Heats Day 7 and Semi Finals & Finals Preview Day 8 – Saturday 31st July
Men’s 100 m Butterfly FINAL
Australia’s Matt Temple will swim in his first individual Olympic Final today. A medal will be tough with the likes of USA Speedo Ambassador and Olympic Record holder, Caleb Dressel in the race. Caleb is aiming to win his 2nd Gold and break the world record after missing it by 2/100ths of a second in the semi-final.
Women’s 200 m Backstroke FINAL
Can Kaylee McKeown win her 2nd Gold? With Emily Seebohm qualifying first, it usually would take the pressure off a world number 1 but we have seen Kaylee not bow to pressure this week so in this instance, it may not make any difference. Kylie Masse from Speedo Canada looked so controlled in the semi-final and if she repeats her form today, this will push Kaylee to Gold and potentially a World Record too.
Women’s 800 m Freestyle RECAP
Ariarne Titmus has had a few days rest but so has Katie Ledecky. This race will be won by the one who has had the best recovery programme and the best psychology team and positive Team members around them. Ariarne will be dreaming of 3 Individual Golds and Katie will be dreaming of winning Olympic Gold in this event for the 3rd Games in a row. Sit back and watch the race unfold. Kiah Melverton will also be swimming in the final.
Women’s 50 Freestyle SEMI-FINAL
I said yesterday “It will be a matter of Emma controlling her emotions after today’s 100m but the aim will be just to get through in the top 16. However, Emma McKeon decided bolted off the block swimming a surprise Olympic Record. No stopping her now on her quest to become Australia’s most decorated Olympian. At the moment she is on 8 medals with Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones both on 9 but with 3 more chances for medals, Emma has every chance of claiming that title.
Men’s 50 freestyle SEMI-FINAL
Next time you go swimming, try this challenge in 3 easy Steps:
STEP 1. Do a warm up to prevent any injury.
STEP 2. Look around the pool deck and hopefully there will be a pace clock on the wall, maybe even a Speedo one!
STEP 3. Swim 50 m as fast as you can timing your swim. This small challenge will put into reality how fast these swimmers swim.
To make the semi-final, the boys yesterday had to swim faster than 22 seconds. Cam McEvoy was outside this benchmark so won’t progress but Caleb Dressel was well under 22 second’s qualifying as top seed.
Mixed 4 x 100 m Medley Relay FINAL
Australia qualified 4th for the final. With performances so far and swimmers with important events left in the programme, this team will be so hard for Managers to select. Will it be Mitch Larkin or Kaylee McKeown on back stroke? It will likely be Zac Stubblety -Cook on Breaststroke. Will it be Emma McKeon or Matt Temple on Butterfly? Will it be Kyle Chalmers, Emma McKeon or Cate Campbell on Freestyle? It is seriously that hard!
Men’s 1500 m Freestyle HEAT RECAP
18 year old Relay Bronze medallist Tommy Neill looked a little tired in his last race of the Games and didn’t go through in the top 8. The emotion of winning that relay medal a few days ago and handling the pressure of being put as anchor leg at such a young age maybe sapped some energy but what he would have learned from this experience is invaluable. Jack McLoughlin also finished outside the top 8.
Women’s 4 x 100 Medley Relay HEAT RECAP
Australia will swap out 3 of the heat swimmers for the final with only Chelsea Hodges swimming the heat and final. Youngster Mollie O’Callaghan stormed back on the last leg to put Australia in a middle lane for tomorrow’s final. Emma McKeon, Kaylee McKeown and Cate Campbell will be swapped in.
Men’s 4 x 100 Medley Relay HEAT RECAP
Australia will swap out 2 swimmers for the final. Zac Stubblety- Cook after winning Gold settled into a great leg on the Breaststroke swimming over a second faster than he did in his individual race. Look what confidence can do!
Preview Heats Day 7 – Friday 30th July
Women’s 50 Freestyle
Newly crowned Olympic Champion Emma McKeon will hit the water again for the 50m alongside Cate Campbell. It will be a matter of controlling emotions after today’s 100m but the aim will be just to get through in the top 16 at this point.
Men’s 50 freestyle
Cam McEvoy will be contesting the 50 m tonight and after a few disappointing swims this week, he will be looking to finish on a positive note.
Men’s 1500 m Freestyle
Relay Bronze medallist Tommy Neill will have had 2 days rest and will be looking to make it through to the final in his favoured event. At such a young age, he is taking the whole experience in his stride, loving every moment and embracing the opportunity. He will gain such experience from being in Tokyo and will take that experience forward to major International meets in the future. Jack McLoughlin is also swimming and after his stunning silver in the 400, he will be on good form for this event.
Women’s 4 x 100 Medley Relay
Australia has a chance of a medal in this but will not swim the best team in the heats due to Emma McKeon and Kaylee McKeown’s busy schedule tomorrow. The depth of the young ones on the team should get them through to the final.
Men’s 4 x 100 Medley Relay
Australia again has a chance of a medal and will rest 1 maybe 2 of the big guns but all these decisions depend on the Mixed Medley relay selection. The selection of these Medley relays is now much more strategic but intriguing and interesting.
Semi Finals and Finals Day 7 – Friday 30th July
Men’s 100 m Butterfly SEMI-FINAL
Australia’s Matt Temple qualified for a 3rd swim in the 100 m Butterfly by swimming a great semi and puts himself in 6thposition for the final. USA Speedo Ambassador, Caleb Dressell is fastest qualifier swimming an Olympic Record but made it look so easy. Only a few one hundredth outside the World records, we may see that broken in the final.
Women’s 200 m Breaststroke FINAL
RSA Speedo Ambassador Tatjana Schoenmaker broke the World Record in style after missing it by a tiny margin in both the heats and the semi-final. As soon as she touched the wall, she was aware of her win but it took a while for her to realise she had broken the World record. Lots of tears followed! Lilly King pushed her all the way so a great swim by the silver medallist also.
Men’s 200 m Backstroke FINAL
Evgeny Rylov from Russia won this event in an Olympic Record in Fastskin and nice to see Silver and Bronze also in Fastskin.
Women’s 100 m Freestyle FINAL
Emma McKeon’s childhood dream has come true. OLYMPIC GOLD she broke the Commonwealth Records to win and became the 2nd person to have ever swum under 52 seconds for 100 m. Emma has such a beautiful smile but I have never seen it so beautiful as it was today. Cate Campbell won the bronze, an incredible achievement at her 4th Olympic Games.
Men’s 200 m Individual Medley FINAL
As predicted, GBR and China Speedo Ambassadors Duncan Scott and Wang Shun fought it out for Gold. With Shun getting the better of Duncan this time, Duncan couldn’t move from the touchpads with exhaustion and hung onto the starting block in dismay. Even though it was his personal best time, he would be disappointed having also missing out on Gold and winning silver in the 200 free. So near yet so far.
Women’s 200 m Backstroke SEMI FINAL
100 m Backstroke Gold Medallist Kaylee McKeown controlled her semi-final making it through with Emily Seebohm qualifying fastest at her 4th Olympic Games. Seeing Cate at her 4th Games win a medal will light a fire in Emily and we may see history being made tomorrow.
Preview Semi Finals and Finals Day 7 – Friday 30th July
Mixed 4 x 100 m Medley Relay
Australia qualified 4th for the final and is expected to have whole new Team swimming the final. Team Managers will have had a chance to look at other Team tactics and we will have to wait until an hour before the race to know what each country has decided. With Emma McKeon, Kaylee McKeown and Kyle Chalmers all winning Individual Olympic medals in 100m of their strokes, I would think they will make up 3 of the 4 but consideration will have to be what events they all have left and will it jeopardise other medal chances. Quite a good game!
Women’s 100 m Freestyle
Can Emma McKeon win Gold? In Rio, Cate Campbell was World Number 1 and a sure bet to win but she ended up outside the medals. Another example of how the Olympics is a different ball game and surprises often happen. However, Gold is within Emma’s reach and we hope nobody spoils her dream. Let’s remember Cate still has a dream…
Men’s 200 m Backstroke
With no Aussies in the final, we can watch 4 Speedo Ambassadors/Friendlies from other countries fight it out for medals. When they are about to hop in the water, spot the Speedo Logos on their Fastskin suits and cheer on those lanes!
Women’s 200 m Breaststroke
RSA Speedo Ambassador Tatjana Schoenmaker will be attempting to swim a world record and win Gold after missing it by a tiny margin in both the heats and the semi-final. With other talent in the same race, it won’t all be her way on the last 50m.
Men’s 200 m Individual Medley
GBR and China Speedo Ambassadors Duncan Scott and Wang Shun will be fighting it out for Gold. Look out for 36-year-old Laszlo Cseh who is swimming at his 5th Olympics and is in the final. We might not see a medal from him but hats off to getting into the final.
Heats Day 6 – Thursday 29th July
Women’s 800 m Freestyle
Ariarne Titmus has admitted to being exhausted and in awe of Michael Phelps winning a plethora of medals at multiple Olympics but has made it through in 6th position for the final. She will now have a day and a half of rest to re-charge the batteries to take on Katie Ledecky again who qualified fastest. Kiah Melverton made it through to an outside lane.
Men’s 100 m Butterfly SEMI-FINAL
Australia’s Matt Temple qualified for a 2nd swim in the 100 m Butterfly but David Morgan failed to advance. USA Speedo Ambassador backed his 100 Freestyle Gold Medal up by qualifying fastest with a new Olympic Record.
Women’s 200 m Backstroke SEMI FINAL
100 m Backstroke Gold Medallist Kaylee McKeown has her eyes on winning another. Step 1 is done as she relaxed through the heats looking like she was now enjoying the whole experience of being at her first Olympic Games. She qualified fastest with Emily Seebohm not too far behind.
Preview Heats Day 6 – Thursday 29th July
Women’s 800 m Freestyle
With Ariarne Titmus winning the 400 m and Katie Ledecky winning the 1500 m, these 2 swimmers will meet again to battle out for that half way Gold. Katie would be the favourite but it will depend on how tired she is with the more loaded programme and Arnie should make the most of this. In the relay earlier today, Ariarne looked a little tired and Katie had a bit more energy so it really is going to be anyone’s race. Kiah Melverton will be the 2nd Australian representative.
Men’s 100 m Butterfly
Australia’s Matt Temple and David Morgan will not only be swimming for a spot in the semi-final but also for a spot on the relay. The faster of the 2 swimmers over the qualifying rounds will be the one who will have the privilege of swimming in the medley relay.
Women’s 200 m Backstroke
Gold Medallist Kaylee McKeown will be going for her 2nd Gold of the Olympics. She will have had a few days rest to take in the enormity of what happened a few days ago. She should breeze through the heats but will still go hard to remind her body what pain is as if she is aiming for a World record sometime over the heats, semi-finals and finals, it will hurt!
Mixed 4 x 100 m Medley Relay
Another first time for the Olympics ! Since Rio, this event has been a World Championship event so countries have had a few practice goes in working out the logistics of the best way to swim it. Some counties will use their 2 best males for backstroke and breaststroke to enable them to have clear water up the front and others will use males or females who have a bigger gap of time between swimmers from other countries. It is really tactical so countries will not announce their final line up until the hour before deadline.
Semi Finals and Finals Day 6 – Thursday 29th July
Men’s 800 m Freestyle
Jack McLoughlin improved from his qualifying 6th position to place 5th in an exciting race up the front where Bobby Finke from USA dominated on the last 50 to win the inaugural Olympic Men’s 800 Freestyle. Jack will now work on his recovery and get ready for his last race, the 1500m.
Men’s 100 m Freestyle
2016 Olympic Champion Kyle Chalmers failed to retain his title but showed the Olympic value of Sportsmanship. His post race interview was so real and personal as he accepted his silver medal. USA Speedo Ambassador Caleb Dressel won in a new Olympic record getting closer and closer to the World record which has stood since 2009.
Women’s 200 m Butterfly
Brianna Throssell gave her best shot in the 200m butterfly but maybe a little tired after her relay heat last night, she didn’t swim as fast as she would have liked. The race was won by Zhang from China and the silver going to USA Speedo Ambassador Regan Smith renowned as a back stroker so quite an achievement.
Men’s 200 m Breaststroke
As predicted, 22 year old Zac Stubblety-Cook came from the back of the pack and turned on his engine up the last the last 50 storming to victory. Yet another GOLD for a Speedo Ambassador and what a future he has still being so young. He was so close to the World Record and I can see that becoming his in the near future. I have never seen him so animated!
Women’s 100 m Freestyle SEMI-FINAL
Emma McKeon again made 52 seconds look so easy and qualified fastest for tomorrow’s final. Individual Gold is now within striking distance in a blue-ribbon event.
Men’s 200 m Backstroke
Tristan Hollard swam just outside his PB which unfortunately doesn’t give him a final spot. Speedo friendly from GBR Luke Greenbank went through and will be looking for Gold tomorrow.
Women’s 200 m Breaststroke
Australia’s representative, Jenna Strauch just missed out on a final spot as RSA Speedo Ambassador Tatjana Schoenmaker just missed out on a world record again. 3rd time lucky tomorrow!
Men’s 200 m Individual Medley
World Number 3 Mitch Larkin disappointingly missed out on a final spot in this event when he was hoping to pick up a medal. Let’s not forget he had forfeited the 200 backstroke to concentrate on this one so great disappointment for him. GBR Speedo Ambassador Duncan Scott is through.
Women’s 4 x 200 m Freestyle Relay
We didn’t see this one coming. Australia swam under their own World Record but this only got them a Bronze medal. It just goes to show anything is possible at an Olympic Games and this time we came out the underdog. The team included Ariarne Titmus and Emma McKeon. Molly O’Callaghan last night led off in a World Junior Record for the Aussies so she may have been a good one to have in the team today. You win some, you lose some.
Preview Finals Day 6 – Thursday 29th July
Women’s 200 m Butterfly FINAL
Brianna Throssell will swim in her 2nd Olympic Final in her 2nd Olympics and will hope to better her 2016 result where she came 8th. This race should see Speedo represented heavily with as many as 6 out of the 8 wearing Fastskin.
Men’s 200 m Breaststroke FINAL
Olympic finals are all about winning the race, not breaking records but today maybe a day where a World Record is broken in a final. Zac Stubblety-Cook is one of the swimmers in the race who may just do this. Expect Zac in this race to be a little like Brendon Smiths position on day 1 in the 400 m Individual Medley where the commentators had written him off with 50 to go but he turns on the engine on the last 50 and storms through. Eyes on Zac!
Women’s 100 m Freestyle SEMI-FINAL
Emma McKeon wants an Individual Gold and began her campaign with an Olympic Record in last night heats. With the confidence of being World Number 1, comes the pressure of being World Number 1. The athletes personality and the make-up of the support team then determines how the pressure is handled. With Emma’s composure and the experience of her coach, things are going in the right direction for Gold. In today’s semi – final, Emma will be looking to place top 3 for a middle lane in the final tomorrow. Cate Campbell is also through and won’t make it easy for Emma.
Women’s 200 m Breaststroke SEMI -FINAL
Australia’s representative, Jenna Strauch is through to today’s semi-final but Abbey Harkin missed out. A minor place in the final is possible for Jenna but RSA Speedo Ambassador Tatjana Schoenmaker is looking like the one to beat by just missing the World Record last night.
Women’s 4 x 200 m Freestyle Relay FINAL
Australia swam a B Team last night so there will be 4 new simmers in the Final today which include Ariarne Titmus and Emma McKeon. On paper, Australia should win a World Record but the Olympics is the Olympics and there are always surprises and upsets. However, if I was a betting man, it’s a Gold.
Heats Day 5 – Wednesday 28th July
Men’s 800 m Freestyle
Jack McLoughlin qualified 6th into the final and we know he can swim fast away from the rest of the field like he did in his 400 . He will be wanting to turn his 400 m Silver into Gold and this could be his chance. It is the first time 800 m for Men has been in the Olympics so a chance for the winner to set an Olympic Record if they swim faster than the winning heat time.
Men’s 100 m Freestyle
2016 Olympic Champion Kyle Chalmers qualified in 6th place for the final today. This will place him away from the fastest qualifiers in the middle lanes so if he wants to win, he needs to make sure he is aware of what is going on in the middle lanes. We can expect to see him storming back on the last lap but will it be enough to challenge USA Speedo Ambassador Caleb Dressel and Russia’s Kliment Kolesnikov. Like any Olympic Final, we will have to wait and see.
Men’s 200 m Backstroke
Tristan Hollard had a good solid swim in the heats getting through to the semi- final at his 1st Olympic Games. Speedo friendly from GBR Luke Greenbank will be one to watch out for who qualified fastest and will be hunting a Gold in the final tomorrow.
Men’s 200 m Individual Medley
World Number 3 Mitch Larkin is comfortably through the heats and will be looking for another steady controlled swim to get him to the final tomorrow. GBR Speedo Ambassador Duncan Scott is also a hunt for a medal so will be wanting a sport in one of the middle lanes for the final.
Preview Heats Day 5 – Wednesday 28th July
Women’s 100 m Freestyle
Emma McKeon will have her eyes on the prize going in with all the confidence of being World Number 1. It wont come easy with hungry 2016 defending Champion Penny Olekseak wanting to retain her title and Cate Campbell wanting to win her first Individual Olympic Gold at her 4thOlympic Games. All competitors will have had a chance to look at all the times posted in the 4 x 100 Freestyle relay earlier in the week so will get an idea everyone’s current form.
Men’s 200 m Backstroke
Rookie, Tristan Hollard will be Australia’s only entry in this event ranked number 13 in the World. Mitch Larkin is ranked 3rd in the World but had opted not to swim to concentrate on his 200 Individual Medley which would have meant 22 minutes between events- a tough back-up at any level, yet alone Olympic level. This withdrawal pushes Tristan up to 12th rank so he should make it comfortably through to the semi-final tomorrow.
Women’s 200 m Breaststroke
Australia’s representatives, Jenna Strauch (world ranked 13th ) and Abbey Harkin (world ranked 15th ) will be itching to get to race after such a successful week for their Team mates. If they manage to hit their times, they will have a great chance of a second swim in the semi-final. RSA Speedo Ambassador Tatjana Schoenmaker is ranked number 1 and will be looking for her Gold after being touched out in the 100.
Men’s 200 m Individual Medley
World Number 3 Mitch Larkin will be aiming to get through the heats easily so he can set his eyes on winning a medal in this event which he has picked as an easier medal chance than the 200 Backstroke.
Women’s 4 x 200 m Freestyle Relay
Australia has such depth in this event they could have an option to rest at least 3 of the 4 fastest swimmers for the final including top 2, Ariarne Titmus and Emma McKeon. This is a race on paper we can win tomorrow in a World Record but the Team today will as usual, have to be as sharp but as cautious as possible on those take-overs so not to risk disqualification.
Semi Finals and Finals Day 5 – Wednesday 28th July
Men’s 100 m Freestyle SEMI- FINAL
2016 Olympic Champion Kyle Chalmers qualified in 6th place for the final tomorrow. Not having it all his own way, this RACE will be a RACE. USA Speedo Ambassador Caleb Dressel is placed 2nd and having so many 47 ‘s in the semi’s it going to make it a fast and memorable final.
Women’s 200 m Freestyle FINAL
Ariarne Titmus kept us all on the edge of our seats (it seems to be her new thing) and left it until the last few meters to overcome the rest of the field and win her second GOLD. We saw a few tears on the medal podium and we saw many more tears when she embraced coach Dean Boxall. I think her achievements are just starting to sink in!
Men’ s 200 m Butterfly FINAL
World record holder Kristof Milak not only won comfortably but he made it look so easy- a technique young swimmers will now be trying to copy.
Women’s 200 m Butterfly SEMI-FINAL
Brianna Throssell made her 2nd Olympic Final in her 2nd Olympics- quite some feat. A medal will be tough but having the experience she has, will put her in a better position to seize the opportunity.
Men’s 200 m Breaststroke SEMI -FINAL
Zac Stubblety-Cook cooly, collectively and calmly made it through as fastest qualifier, another swimmer who leaves it all until the last minute which leaves the spectators worried! Matt Wilson will be bitterly disappointed with his swim but with the emotions which he has gone through over the last 8 weeks would have been tough but in sport, there have to be downs to be ups and Matt will be back.
Women’s 200 m Individual Medley FINAL
Japan managed to get their 2nd Gold Medal of the Olympics in the pool with Yui Ohashi winning this predicted close race. This managed to keep Australia’s Gold Medal tally the same as the USA.
Women’s 1500 m Freestyle FINAL
1500 m World Record holder, Katie Ledecky as in tears after winning the inaugural Olympic 1500m. What a testament to her- not getting a medal just an hour before her race and then stepping up and winning Gold. The Aussies Maddy Gough and Kiah Melverton had a hard race in outside lanes finishing 6th and 8th.
Men’s 4 x 200 m Freestyle FINAL
Australia ALMOST grabbed Silver but settled for Bronze in a race where Speedo Ambassador Tommy Neill anchored with a stunning swim for such a young competitor. We could talk about his swim but his post race interview will go down in history as one of the best – his parents are now stuck what to get him for Christmas as apparently LEGO is now no longer good enough!
Preview Semi Finals & Finals Day 5 – Wednesday 28th July
Men’s 100 m Freestyle SEMI-FINAL
2016 Olympic Champion Kyle Chalmers swam comfortably into the semi-final and looking in a good position to retain his Olympic title. USA Speedo Ambassador Caleb Dressel also made it through but not looking as sharp as Kyle. Some swimmers take a few swims to sharpen up so we can’t think the Gold is in Australia’s bag quite yet.
Women’s 200 m Freestyle FINAL
The world will once again be watching this incredible rivalry between Ariarne Titmus and Katie Ledecky. Ariarne will be confident, Katie will be wanting revenge. Ariarne missed the World Record at trials by the smallest of margins and will have that on her radar as being what it may take to win this event. Australia’s Madi Wilson (unbranded black suit) is also in the final.
Men’ s 200 m Butterfly FINAL
World record holder Kristof Milak made the gruelling 200 Butterfly look easy in the semi- final and is looking likely to win the Gold this morning.
Women’s 200 m Butterfly SEMI-FINAL
For the first time in a long time in Olympic history, all swimmers in this event made the semi- final simply because only 16 swimmers turned up to marshalling. This knowledge would have changed a few race plans including Brianna Throssell who was able to hold back some energy for today’s semi-final.
Men’s 200 m Breaststroke SEMI -FINAL
Both the Aussies , Matt Wilson and Zac Stubblety-Cook made it through the heats with Zac equal first. Matt’s swim looked a little more laboured than Zac but both know they CAN swim times close to the world record, they just need to get their heads around doing it over the next day or 2.
Women’s 200 m Individual Medley FINAL
In 2 very close semi- final races yesterday , this final will be what we call a “ blanket finish “. The race will be so close but an interesting one as the lead will keep changing as the swimmers go through their strong and weak strokes.
Women’s 1500 m Freestyle FINAL
1500 m World Record holder, Katie Ledecky will be wanting to be the winner of the inaugural Olympic 1500 m and her form is showing this is almost certain. The battle will be for the minor medals with the Aussies Maddy Gough and Kiah Melverton placed in the outside lanes for the final. If they want a medal, they will have to swim their own race being so far away from Katie in the middle of the pool so they will be preparing their mind set for this scenario.
Men’s 4 x 200 m Freestyle FINAL
Australia made it through to the final last night in second place with Speedo Ambassadors Elijah Winnington and Mack Horton helping the team through. They will both be replaced with Tommy Neill and Kyle Chalmers for the final today and on paper, they have a chance for a medal but look out for a World Record from GBR.
Heats Day 4 – Tuesday 27th July
Men’s 800 m Freestyle HEAT RECAP
Jack McLoughlin qualified 6th into the final comfortably knowing he also has a heat and potentially a final of the 1500 m Freestyle later in the week. He will be wanting to turn his 400 m Silver into Gold and this could be his chance. Tommy Neill qualified for this event at trials but wasn’t entered as it may be too close to the final of the 4 x 200 m Freestyle relay where Australia are chasing a medal.
Preview Heats Day 4 – Tuesday 27th July
Men’s 100 m Freestyle
2016 Olympic Champion Kyle Chalmers will start his quest in retaining his title of Olympic Champion and after his relay performances so far, things are looking positive. Cam McEvoy will also be competing and hoping to improve on his relay performance.
Women’s 200 m Butterfly
Speedo Ambassador Brianna Throssell will be taking on the 200 in the heats tonight. 5 years ago she swam in the final in Rio so is trying to go better in her 2nd Olympics.
Men’s 200 m Breaststroke
Our ex World Record holder Matt Wilson and Zac Stubblety-Cook will be going head to head in the 200 tonight. With Zac being so close to the World Record at trials, he will certainly be hungry for Gold . Matt who was selected on compassionate grounds after not qualifying at trials is on a mission to thank the selectors and perform his best. Both swimmers at their best can win medals – it will just be a matter of what colour and in which order.
Men’s 4 x 200 m Freestyle
Another Men’s relay where we really don’t know who will qualify or win but after GBR performances in the 200 free, they have the strongest team on paper. Tommy Neill is being rested for the final so the 4 heats boys will have to make sure they do enough to get into the top 8. One of the 4 will be Elijah Winnington will be on a mission to put things right after a few high pressure swims.
Men’s 800 m Freestyle
Jack McLoughlin will be wanting to turn his 400 m Silver into Gold and this could be his chance. Tommy Neill did qualify for this event but wasn’t entered as it clashes with the 4 x 200 m Freestyle relay where Australia are chasing a medal.
Preview Finals Day 4 – Tuesday 27th July
Women’s 100 m Backstroke FINAL
Kaylee McKeown will go into the final as 3rd fastest. There has been a bit of publicity on how this race will be “ personal “ . Kaylee’s father passed away last year so we know Kaylee will be thinking about him on her last 50 and all her swims at this Games are a tribute to her father. We wish her every bit of luck . Emily Seebohm ( unbranded black suit ) will also be in the mix.
Men’s 200 m Freestyle FINAL
No Aussies in this final with Tommy Neill just missing out but Speedo will be well represented in this wide open race with ambassadors from the UK, Tom Dean and Duncan Scott.
Women’s 100m Breaststroke FINAL
This will be a close race with defending Champion Lilly King USA and South Africa Speedo sponsored Tatjana Schoenmaker. Could this be another race where the experienced swimmer is beaten by a hungry youngster?
Men’s 100 m Backstroke FINAL
Mitch Larkin will have to be at his best to be in the mix for a medal but after his training partner, Arnie winning Gold yesterday, it will give him confidence that the programme he is in is working.
Women’s 1500 m Freestyle RECAP
After a full day of racing, Katie Ledecky once again sent out a message “I am not done yet“ by qualifying fastest by 6 seconds. Her ‘recovery’ programme with the main aim of expelling lactic acid from her system will have been worked on with her team. This includes swimming down (getting back in the pool straight after the race and swimming more meters than the race at a slower pace) massage, ice baths, sleep and nutrition. Australia’s 2 swimmers Maddy Gough and Kiah Melverton are also through to the final on Wednesday.
Heats Day 3 – Monday 26th July
Women’s 200 m Freestyle
Ariarne Titmus backed up her 400 m Gold with a solid swim in her heat making it through to the semi – final. Katie Ledecky also made it through swimming a faster time than Ariarne throwing out the message “I am not done yet“ NZ Ambassador Erika Fairweather came back well from her disappointment in the 400 posting a best time and making it through to the next round. Australia’s Madi Wilson (unbranded black suit) is also through.
Men’ s 200 m Butterfly
Australia’s Matt Temple (unbranded black suit) swam a controlled race making it through to the semi’s but disappointed 2016 Rio Medallist David Morgan failed to advance.
Women’s 200 m Individual Medley
No real outstanding swims in this event with times being close so todays semi final will be a matter of who can be controlled and not get overwhelmed. From a Speedo point of view, many swimmers in the semi’s today are wearing Speedo so enjoy looking at all the different Federation suits we have provided.
Preview Heats Day 3 – Monday 26th July
Women’s 200 m Freestyle
Although booking a spot in this event at trials, it was decided some weeks ago that Emma McKeon wouldn’t swim. With busy schedules, there is always a risk that swimming many events may take a tiny edge off all of the performances and that tiny edge could cost the swimmer the haul of medals which are being chased. Madi Wilson will swim in her alongside spot Ariarne Titmus who having just won Gold in the 400, will have had a busy afternoon with interviews and drug testing. Backing fast swims up is where swimmers look up to the great Michael Phelps and think to themselves “if he can do it, I can too“
Men’ s 200 m Butterfly
Australia has 2 swimmers in this event, Matt Temple (unbranded black suit) and David Morgan. Ranked 12th and 16th they have a chance to advance through to the semi-finals tomorrow.
Women’s 200 m Individual Medley
With the withdrawal of World number 1 ranked Kaylee McKeown in this event, it means there is no Australian Representative and it leaves the event wide open for anyone to take Gold. In terms of world records, this is a weak event in world swimming at the moment but with no records to chase it takes the pressure off the athletes and this is where we often see surprises.
Women’s 1500 m Freestyle
This is the first time this event has ever been swum at the Olympics and Katie Ledecky will surely be looking to make history by becoming the first Gold Medallist in this event in Wednesdays final. Like Ariarne, she will be backing up from her 400 m swim earlier. Australia have 2 great competitors in the heats tonight with Australian Record Holder Maddy Gough ranked number 2 in the World and Kiah Melverton ranked number 9.
Finals Day 3 – Monday 26th July – Warning – Gold medal alert – keep reading!
Women’s 100 m Backstroke SEMI-FINAL
In semi- final 1, we saw the Olympic Record broken for the 4th time in less than 24 hours by Regan Smith with the 2nd semi-final being a little slower and won by Kylie Masse. Kaylee McKeown will go into the final as 3rd fastest which takes that pressure off her shoulders being the World Record holder. Emily Seebohm also made the final in 6th place – just an incredible result at her 4th Games and don’t count her out ! She is known as being one of the toughest competitors worldwide.
Men’s 200 m Freestyle SEMI-FINAL
Tommy Neill swam an incredibly mature semi- final for someone so young but missed out on a final spot by 3/100ths of a second. Tommy was only given the spot in the 200 after Kyle Chalmers withdrew after the trials so to make it to the semi-final shows us how he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and made use of the experience. Speedo will be well represented in the Final with ambassadors from other countries.
Women’s 100 m Breaststroke SEMI-FINAL
It seemed to be the day for Aussies to miss out on finals by the smallest of margins as Speedo Friendly, Chelsea Hodges missed out by 1/100th of a second. South Africa Speedo sponsored Tatjana Schoenmaker is fastest qualifier and how she manages to have her arena cap fall off right at the last minute to reveal her Speedo cap is nothing but skilled ! This happened in both the heats and semi final so let’s see if she can make it a hat trick in the final.
Men’s 100 m Backstroke SEMI-FINAL
17 year old Isaac Cooper was again impressive in the semi-final producing a PB but missed out on a Final spot. At 17 years old , he will be doing nothing but absorbing everything he can to better himself going forward. Mitch Larkin advanced comfortably through to the final.
Women’s 400 m Freestyle FINAL
What can I say. GOLD for Ariarne Titmus. Katie Ledecky took it out fast for a good lead at 250 and then Arnie did what she does best- creep up little by little like a lion pouncing on prey and it became a final 3 m battle with Arnie coming out on top. Well done Arnie- our 1st Individual Gold of the Games. NZ Ambassador Erika Fairweather probably a little overwhelmed by her great heat swim yesterday, came in 8th but these young swimmers use moments like this to learn from.
Men’s 4 x 100 m Freestyle Relay FINAL
Australia stepped up to grab the BRONZE as it really was anybody’s Bronze. Kyle Chalmers split was the 5th fastest of all time which was a massive help but a great Team effort.
Women’s 100 m Butterfly FINAL
Emma McKeon paced the first 50 beautifully to work her strong second 50 and swam a new Australian Record grabbing the BRONZE medal It was such a close race but nice to see all 3 medallists wearing Speedo Fastskin suits.
Men’s 100 m Breaststroke FINAL
As predicted , Adam Peaty won the Gold but his competitors are creeping closer only .63 behind whereas in 2016, the silver medal was 1.56 second behind. Maybe by Paris, it might not be such a predictable race.
Heats Day 2 – Sunday 25th July
Women’s 100m Backstroke
Kaylee McKeown began her Olympic campaign breaking the Olympic Record. Olympic Records can only be broken in an Olympic Games so if an event moves on considerably over a 4 year period between Games, Olympic Records can tumble. This is exactly what has happened here with the Olympic Record broken 3 times in this event yesterday as the heats became faster. All 3 Records went to TEAM SPEEDO Ambassadors, Kaylee, Regan Smith (USA) and Kylie Masse (CAN). 4 time Olympian Emily Seebohm (unbranded black suit) also made it through to the semi final today despite losing her Olympic Record she set back in 2012.
Men’s 200 m Freestyle
Tommy Neill embraced his opportunity of representing Australia at an Olympic Games and calmly advanced into the semi final today. Up against some worldly big guns today and whatever the outcome, Tommy has proven he can perform on the international stage. Elijah Winnington didn’t make it through but after his Olympic dream disappearing just 7 hours before he had to swim this race, you can only imagine his mindset. Even though Elijah and his support team would have done everything to put his 400 m disappointment behind him, on this occasion it wasn’t successful. He will learn and come back stronger.
Women’s 100m Breaststroke
Speedo Friendly, Chelsea Hodges had a good start to her first Olympics by gaining a sport in today’s semi-final. This swim will secure her spot on the Medley Relay with Jess Hansen not making it through for a second swim. Fastest qualifier was South Africa Speedo sponsored Tatjana Schoenmaker.
Men’s 100m Backstroke
17 year old Isaac Cooper was impressive in his heat making it through to the semi-final. His performance maybe overshadowed with Mitch Larkin who keeps churning out world class swims but if we look into the future, Isaac will be a name we will all know.
Women’s 400 m Freestyle
The hype of Ariarne Titmus Versus Katie Ledecky seems to be more like a boxing match rivalry than a swimming one! Katie qualified fastest and Arnie 3rd. Both looks so controlled, Arnie’s swim looking a little less laboured but you can never rule out Katie’s pedigree. It was great to see NZ Ambassador Erika Fairweather break the NZ Record and book a spot in the final and even though all eyes will be on the 2 big guns, there is a Bronze medal to be grabbed so let’s see if Erika can make that hers to take back to NZ. Despite a decent swim, Tamsin Cook just missed out on a final spot by coming 9th.
Men’s 4 x 100 m Freestyle Relay
Australia qualified comfortably 3rd but with many of the Teams not swimming their best swimmers in the heats, we can’t rely on that being where we will end up.
Women’s 100 m Butterfly
Emma McKeon will be trying to better her 2016 Bronze in this event. Her competitors haven’t had the elation of breaking the World Record in the relay like Emma has and this can either ‘lift’ or “tire” . Emma is so experienced at this level and she will make sure she uses it as a “lift”.
Men’s 100 m Breaststroke
Adam Peaty is the favourite but his competitors are creeping closer. Let’s see how close they can get.
Preview Heats Day 2 – Sunday 25th July
Women’s 100m Backstroke
Australia’s World Record Holder and Speedo Ambassador Kaylee McKeown kicks off her Olympic Debut tonight in the heats of 100 Backstroke. Even though she is the World Record holder, this race will be tough with 3 previous World Record Holders in the same event. This may have had an influence on her withdrawal from the 200m later in the week which her and her Coach would have thought long and hard about. Australia’s other representative is 4 time Olympian Emily Seebohm ( unbranded black suit) who is one of the World’s toughest competitors who no doubt will be chasing the Individual Olympic Gold medal which has so far eluded her.
Men’s 200 m Freestyle
Having the postponement of the Games gave Tommy Neill that extra year to build a bit of muscle and get a little stronger as he dives in tonight for his Senior International debut. He will be flying the flag for Australia alongside Elijah Winnington who will have to put his 400 m disappointment behind him. We have seen this done so often where swimmers pick themselves right back up and this is where words from coaches and fellow team members are so valuable.
Women’s 100m Breaststroke
Another rookie, Speedo Friendly, Chelsea Hodges will be gunning for a spot in the semi- final and will also be fighting it out with fellow Australian, Jess Hansen for that all important relay spot decided on the best result from heats, semi- finals and finals.
Men’s 100 m Backstroke
Seems to be the night for rookies with 17 year old Isaac Cooper starting his bright future representing Australia. On the other end of the scale, he will be swimming alongside experienced and seasoned Mitch Larkin (in an unbranded black suit ) With Mitch concentrating more on the Individual Medley, it could be a chance for Isaac to grab that Medley Relay spot if he swims at his best.
Women’s 400 m Freestyle
Heavily advertised as the biggest rivalry of the Olympics and the race to watch, Ariarne Titmus takes on Katie Ledecky in the heats tonight. Both have not raced yet so they will be diving in to shake off the cobwebs and get started. Comeback queen and Speedo Friendly Tamsin Cook is also representing Australia tonight so ranked number 1 and 4 in the World, we should see both make the final. As a Speedo Junior Ambassador, Tamsin retired after winning a Silver medal in the 4 x 200 Freestyle Relay in Rio and made a surprise comeback earlier this year.
Men’s 4 x 100 m Freestyle Relay
After the Women’s performance in this event earlier, the men will be inspired. This event traditionally dominated by USA might see a different result with other countries, including Australia coming through.
Semi Finals and Finals Day 2 – Sunday 25th July
Men’s 400 m Individual Medley FINAL
Australia’s 21 year old Brendon Smith stormed back on the last 50 m of his race after seemingly being out of contention at 350 m to take the BRONZE. Interesting to note that if he had swam the same time as he did in the heats, he would have won Gold. Typically, swimmers swim faster in the evening with one of the factors being simply that the body is more awake. The only swimmer to swim faster in this final was the winner and coaches will point this fact to get their charges going in these morning finals.
Women’s 100 m Butterfly SEMI FINAL
Emma McKeon qualified 3rd fastest for the final, a little slower than last night’s heats but Brianna Throssell missed out on the final despite a good time for her personally. She will now settle into getting ready for her favoured 200 later in the week.
Men’s 400 m Freestyle FINAL
This race was a fight but between 2 swimmers who were lanes apart. Elijah Winnington started off well in the first 200 but dropped back from the other swimmers who kicked in during the second half of the race. Australia’s Jack McLoughlin was one of these who had some nice clear water with no one next to him and led the last 200 right up until the last 5 m where he was just touched out for SILVER by 18 year old Ahmed Hafnaoui. Elijah is still so young, not to mention hungry for success and has more events later in the programme to feed that hunger, one of those races being tonight.
Women’s 400 m Individual Medley FINAL
Japan won their 1st Gold Medal with Ohashi Yui beating the 2016 Olympic Champion and USA Speedo Friendly, Emma Weyant . In a relatively slow event in terms of World Record comparison, Ohashi seized the opportunity to grab that Gold.
Men’s 100 m Breaststroke SEMI FINAL
Adam Peaty from GB eased through the semi final and will go in fastest tomorrow for the final. This seems to be a habit for him and he also has a habit of winning the Gold. We will find out tomorrow.
Women’s 4 x 100 m Freestyle Relay FINAL
Third time in a row for Australia winning the GOLD Medal at Olympic Games in a World Record time. Just a stunning performance from the girls especially Emma McKeon splitting 51.35. In any sport which is measured by time, there are certain barriers. This team broke the 3 minute 30 second barrier so an historical addition to the Gold and World Record.
SWIMMING MEDALS TABLE: 1 GOLD, 1 SILVER and 1 BRONZE
Heats Day 1 – Saturday 24th July
Men’s 400 m Individual Medley
Se- Bom Lee swam on his best time at his inaugural Senior International and although not advancing through to the final, he will have gained such experience. Australia’s Brendon Smith goes in as fastest qualifier with an Australian Record but with all 8 finalists swimming withing .97 of a second, it will be an exciting race! Brendon is sponsored by another brand so you may notice he will be wearing a plain black suit. Athletes who have swimwear sponsors other than Speedo have the option to apply for “specialised equipment “. This only applies to the suit so you will see them in our Yellow Speedo Cap. To gain approval, swimmers have to submit a cad to the AOC of a completely plain black suit apart from the Australian Crest (NO branding). I have gifted a momento Australian Olympic Fastskin to the swimmers who are wearing specialised equipment and they are all extremely thankful.
Women’s 100 m Butterfly
Emma McKeon and Brianna Throssell are both through to the semi-final with Emma breaking the Australian Record in the process. Looking so strong on the 2nd 50, Emma should be in control to advance to the final tomorrow.
Mens 400 m Freestyle
This race will be a fight! Elijah Winnington is going into this final in 4th position but he still has the fastest time in the World this year. Australia’s Jack McLoughlin (in an unbranded black suit ) did the same heat time as Elijah to 100th of a second. This will come down to how the race is paced, who can control nerves and who can hit the right level of adrenalin for them individually. This race is not about who is the most fit! Can Australia keep that title!?
Women’s 400 m Individual Medley
Australia had no representatives in this event but the fastest qualifier is USA Speedo Friendly, Emma Weyant . Once times are posted, it will be interesting to see if our own Kaylee McKeown could have won a medal if she had decided to fit it into her busy programme which kicks off tonight.
Men’s 100 m Breaststroke
Matt Wilson and Zac Stubblety- Cook both “shook off the cobwebs” in this event with neither advancing through to the semi-finals BUT of course, their speciality is the 200 so we expect them to shine later in the week. Speedo Russia sponsored Anton Chupkov is one to watch to advance through to the semi-final.
Women’s 4 x 100 m Freestyle Relay
Australia qualified fastest in the Heats and they are on watch to break the World Record and win this Olympic Title for the 3rd time in a row. Emma McKeon was rested for the heats along with Cate Campbell so subject to any nasty disqualifications, we should safely say “GOLD“
Preview Heats Day 1 – Saturday 24th July
Men’s 400 m Individual Medley
Speedo Friendly, Se- Bom Lee will kick off Australia’s Olympic campaign. Ranked Number 25 and a rookie for Tokyo at the tender age of 20, you cannot predict how his performance will go. He has not had the smoothest preparation over the last year with injury but proved his talent by over-riding all hurdles at Trials by making the team.
Women’s 100 m Butterfly
Emma McKeon and Brianna Throssell will be flying the flag for Australia in this event with Emma ranked Number 3 in the world and Brianna Number 9. Both should advance through to the semi-finals.
Mens 400 m Freestyle
Elijah Winnington will kick off his Olympic debut as World Number 1. He is aware of the pressure this may have on him but is determined not to let it get to him. Mack Horton won this event 4 years ago in Rio and Elijah wants to make sure Australia keeps that title.
Women’s 400 m Individual Medley
Australia has no representatives in this event as there were no qualifiers at Trials. This shows how cut throat the selection process is. 2 swimmers were painfully close to the qualifying time but considered “not good enough”. Therefore our country keeps producing Champions because swimmers have world class benchmarks to meet.
Men’s 100 m Breaststroke
Matt Wilson and Zac Stubblety- Cook will be our representatives in this event. As well as battling it out with all in the field, they will be battling it out between them as the fastest one through the heat, semi final and final will be selected to swim in the Medley relay later in the week. The great Adam Peaty from Team GB is going to be the one to beat and this will be a difficult feat with his pedigree!
Women’s 4 x 100 m Freestyle Relay
Australia will be going into this as favourites and the added incentive to win this Olympic Title with a World Record for the 3rd time in a row. Emma McKeon may be rested for the heats so we may not see her swim until the final.