Commonwealth Games, Day Four Semifinals: Kyle Chalmers Chasing Repeat in 100 Freestyle
Jockeying for position in the men’s 100-meter freestyle will be one of the primary themes of the Day Four semifinals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The morning prelims were sleepy, with the competitors doing only what was needed to advance to the evening session. In the semis, there will still be a decent amount of holding back, but the speed should pick up significantly.
Beyond the men’s 100 freestyle, Monday night will include semifinals in the women’s 50 breaststroke and women’s 50 backstroke. South Africa’s Lara van Niekerk is the defending champ in the 50 breaststroke and will be chasing a repeat. As for the 50 backstroke, Canada’s Kylie Masse is the favorite, although Aussie Iona Anderson is carrying momentum from her victory in the 100 backstroke.
Here is an event-by-event recap of the Day Four semifinals:
Men’s 100 Freestyle
Defending champion Kyle Chalmers, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist, will be in Lane Four for his title defense, as the Australian was the lone swimmer to break the 48-second barrier. Chalmers clocked a time of 47.87 to claim the top seed, with countryman Flynn Southam set to race in the adjacent lane following a semifinal effort of 48.08. Southam went 47.09 while leading off Australia’s triumphant 400 freestyle relay on the opening night of the meet.
Canada’s Josh Liendo, already the champ in the 100 butterfly, moved on as the third seed, behind a time of 48.20. Right behind was Wales’ Matt Richards, who touched the wall in 48.21.
Women’s 50 Backstroke
Coming off a silver medal in the 100 backstroke, Canada’s Kylie Masse is well-positioned to reel in the title in the 50 backstroke. Masse nailed down the top seed for the final behind a swim of 27.57, one of three performances under the 28-second barrier. She was followed by 100 backstroke champ Iona Anderson of Australia, who checked in with a mark of 27.69. Also going sub-28 was England’s Lauren Cox, who touched in 27.85.