Podium Potpourri: Kyle Chalmers Shares Insights Into Career Beyond the Pool
Australia’s Kyle Chalmers has been the leader of the pack in the 100-meter freestyle on the global stage for several years. He first won Olympic gold in the event at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, then followed that effort with a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games (held in 2021). Most recently at this past summer’s World Championships in Fukuoka, not only did he win the 100 free, but he also swam on Australia’s world-record-setting mixed 400 freestyle relay.
In addition to winning six Olympic medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze) at Rio and Tokyo, Chalmers has earned 12 LC World Championship medals (5 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze) plus seven more medals at the SCM Worlds (3 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze).
The 25-year-old from Ashford, South Australia, also owns SCM world records in the 100 free and 400 medley relay.
WHAT IS YOUR PUMP-UP SONG BEFORE YOU GET BEHIND THE BLOCKS—OR IN THE READY ROOM?
“Enter Sandman” by Metallica.
WAS THERE ANOTHER SPORT YOU PARTICIPATED IN WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? ANY MEMORIES STAND OUT?
Aussie-rules football: Just being a part of a team and playing with my best mates every weekend are memories I reflect on and cherish.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE AND/OR BOOK? WHY?
Favorite movies are the Hangover series—I have watched them so many times, but I still laugh as hard as the first time.
COMPARE YOURSELF TO A SUPERHERO—WHICH ONE AND WHY?
Deadpool…I don’t take life too seriously.
WHERE DO YOU KEEP YOUR MEDALS?
In my mum’s bedroom.
WHAT WENT THROUGH YOUR MIND ON THE PODIUM IN TOKYO…AND HOW WAS IT DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS OLYMPICS?
I was so proud of my achievement. I had just come back from shoulder surgery, and for a while, it seemed as though my body might not have allowed me to be at the Olympics. So to swim a personal best and stand on the podium was a huge achievement for me.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO FOOD TO CELEBRATE AFTER A BIG MEET?
Probably KFC…the only time I ever get to eat it is after a major competition, so I make sure I go hard and enjoy it!