Commonwealth Games, Day Three Semifinals: Mollie O’Callaghan Leads Powerful Aussie Crew in 100 Freestyle
All three semifinals on the third day of the Commonwealth Games will feature athletes seeking a second individual title of the week. Australia’s Mollie O’Callaghan will take the next step in her quest for a gold-medal repeat in the 100-meter freestyle, just days after she won the 200 freestyle. O’Callaghan didn’t have to do much to advance out of the morning prelims and the Dolphins star will also be able to reserve effort while chasing a berth in the final.
In the men’s 50 breaststroke, Sam Williamson will carry the momentum he built from a title-winning performance in the 100 breaststroke. Williamson is better suited for the 50 breaststroke, but will have to deal with South Africa’s Michael Houlie, who owns the African record of 26.38. Meanwhile, Alex Perkins will go to work in the 100 butterfly, having already claimed Commonwealth glory in the 50 fly.
Here is an event-by-event recap of the Day Three semifinals:
Women’s 100 Freestyle
It’s going to be awfully difficult to keep Australia from sweeping the medals in the women’s 100 freestyle, as Mollie O’Callaghan led a triumvirate from Down Under into the championship final. The defending champion, O’Callaghan clocked 53.29 to win her semifinal and earn the top seed for the title race. She was followed by Meg Harris, who claimed victory in the second semifinal in 53.39. Joining them in the final eight will be Shayna Jack, who touched the wall in 53.67.
Qualifying fourth-fastest was Wales’ Theodora Taylor, behind a time of 54.28.
Men’s 50 Breaststroke
South Africa’s Michael Houlie continued to show his speed in the 50 breaststroke, as he locked down Lane Four for the final of the event. Having gone 26.38 earlier in the meet during a 100 breaststroke, Houlie went 26.61 in the second semifinal, which bettered the 26.79 of Aussie Sam Williamson in the first semifinal. Williamson is coming off a gold medal in the 100 breaststroke.
England’s Adam Ramsay-Peaty will chase a fourth Commonwealth Games medal in the 50 breaststroke. Ramsay-Peaty advanced as the third seed, thanks to a performance of 26.82. He was the event’s champ four years ago, and earned silver medals in 2014 and 2018. Qualifying fourth was South African Chris Smith (27.01).
Women’s 100 Butterfly
The champ in the 50 butterfly earlier in the meet, Alex Perkins is well-positioned to add another gold medal to her collection. The Aussie easily posted the fastest time of the 100 butterfly semifinals, going 57.16. That mark almost a half-second quicker than the 57.64 of countrywoman Brittany Castelluzzo, with the Scottish duo of Keanna Macinnes (57.68) and Ciara Schlosshan (57.70). Also breaking the 58-second barrier was South Africa’s Erin Gallagher, who checked in with a swim of 57.94.