With Olympic Trials underway around the world there was no shortage of world leading performances this week, but Australian Cameron McEvoy gave us one for the record books. Swimming at the Aussie Trials in Adelaide, McEvoy threw down a 47.04 to produce the fastest ever 100 freestyle in a textile suit that was just off the world record of 46.94. McEvoy’s performance was an Australian and All-Comers record, taking down James Magnussen’s mark of 47.10 from the 2012 Championships. Magnussen’s time also happened to be the previous textile best.
That puts Cameron McEvoy first in the world in the 100 freestyle by nearly a full second. Only three other men have broken 48.0 this year: Frenchman Jeremy Stravius, Chinese swimmer Zeteo Ning, and defending Gold Medalist in the 50 freestyle, Flourent Manaudou. Stravius and Ning were 47.97 and 47.96 respectively this past week at their Olympic Trials, and Manaudou won’t be competing in the 100 after failing to qualify in the event individually. While defending Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Adrian will surely look to make a statement at the U.S. Trials in June, this performance puts McEvoy as an early favorite for gold in Rio and serves as a major boost to the Aussie’s chances in the 400 free relay.
Congratulations Cameron McEvoy on earning Swimming World’s Performance of the Week!
it was actually eamonn sullivan’s australian and commonwealth record of 47.05.