16-year old Kyle Chalmers has broken the Australian National Age Record in the 100 long course meter freestyle on Saturday at the South Australia State Championships.
Australia’s youngest star swam a 49.40 in the open age race, which breaks the old record of 49.70 done by superstar Cam McEvoy in 2011.
McEvoy’s swim was done in the same Adelaide pool that Chalmers did his race in on Saturday.
Chalmers’ other Saturday results include a 24.78 in the 50 fly, his only other final so far.
Notice that even with only 2 top sprinters, the cumulated time of the four best australians in 2014 is better than anybody else.
Australia : 3’12”96
Brasil : 1’13”62
Russia : 3’13”78
France : 3’13”92
USA : 3’14’94
Italy around 3’15
Of course 2015 relays rankings will be probably different and they will not be favourites in Kazan, but it clearly indicates that Australia can be dangerous even with two guys close to 49.
Poto, thank you for the background on Youth Olympics … I was not aware of those circumstances.
I actually fully agree with you. I’m sceptical of media touting “the next big thing” and the resulting pressure has forced all too many out of many sports. I hope he IS given the time and space to mature ….. if he stays with swimming,
Unfortunately, AUS depth over 100FS is very shallow with no reliable 48sec men behind Magnussen & McEvoy in the 47s and Chalmers’ time DOES enter him into senior relay calculations …. which may or may not be a positive at this point of his development.
@COMMONWOMBAT – I would like to point out that at the Youth Olympics where you state “he was distinctly underwhelming” was infact an amazing swim.
Kyle became very sick on that trip and to his credit wanted to compete ( but shouldn’t have) because he didnt want to let the Team down
Kyle Chambers is an exceptional kid with some very big talent, it’s a credit to his parents and coaches.
Kyle could become World Class, but he needs the Time and Space to develop – NOT be lable the ” NEXT BIG THING ‘ ….which has killed so much talent in the passed.
I believe his coaches Shelly and Peter are doing a great job with… Read more »
A fantastic comment Proslater. He is in good hands and it is inspiring to see his coaches temper his incredible talent with the patience and balance needed to allow him to still enjoy the pool for another 10 years 🙂
Due to his size, and his father having been a notable SANFL & AFL footballer, there is obvious interest in Adelaide particularly as to which way he may go. If $$$ is the key factor then it’s AFL no question.
This time IS interesting and given that AUS male 100FS falls away dramatically once you go past Magnussen & McEvoy; he does potentially enter calculations. The next key step will be Nationals. Whereas in the past, he was merely an age-grouper getting a taste of senior level; he will now be someone under greater scrutiny and considered a potential factor. How he handles this and swimming 3 consistent fast swims will be interesting. His one previous major outing was last… Read more »
His swim rectifies the oddness that his 15 NAG of 49.68 is faster than the old 16 record of 49.70 by McEvoy.
I wonder if he can go faster at the Australian Worlds trials or the Age championships.
Btw, Is he still playing footie and dreaming to play in the AFL?