While the nation of Australia opted out of sending an official team to the FINA Short Course World Championships taking place in just about a week, Kyle Chalmers and Holly Barratt were set to still travel and represent the green and gold in Abu Dhabi.
However, as revealed to FINA journalist Nick Hope today on social media, now Chalmers has withdrawn from the competition, citing shoulder issues.
“For me, my whole short course has been based around performing at World Short Course but my shoulder has unfortunately gone on me.”
The 23-year-old who is now back in Australia continued, “I may potentially have surgery in the next couple of weeks to have a cleanout.”
He acknowledges the heavy racing schedule that comprises 2022 with both Long and Short Course World Championships as well as Commonwealth Games and wants to be in the best position possible for those racing opportunities.
“I’m devastated by the news, I’ve been swimming well and was looking forward to turning it on in Abu Dhabi but it’s going to have to wait another year.”
Chalmers broke the longstanding short course meters 100 freestyle World Record while competing in the FINA World Cup this season, producing an eye-popping 44.84.
It’s important to note that Chalmers has had a series of heart surgeries since earning 100m free Olympic gold at the 2016 Games in Rio, all addressing his Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT). He also underwent left shoulder surgery in November 2020 before taking Olympic silver in the same event in Tokyo this summer, though the shoulder to which he is referring now is his right shoulder.
“I’m hungrier than ever to get the gold in Paris 2024,” says Chalmers, as motivation to address this shoulder issue now.
Chalmers also describes the battle between him and American Caeleb Dressel, specifically what he thinks made the difference in Tokyo.
Great to chat with Kyle Chalmers today live for @fina1908!
While the world record holder is unfortunately out of Abu Dhabi 2021 with a shoulder injury, we had a fascinating chat about his career, ‘fan boy’ moments, rivalry with Caeleb Dressel & MUCH more!https://t.co/gLd8miEAAZ pic.twitter.com/4C2aiGCdDK
— Nick Hope – the athlete’s journalist (@NickHopeTV) December 8, 2021
What a shame! Does it seem to happen more often with all the swimmers, or am I imagining things.
It’s overhead athletes in general.
Never underestimate Kyle.
Trying a little too hard to keep up with GOAT sprinter Dressel, perhaps.
Imagine gloating under an article about an injured swimmer.
Is it the same shoulder he received his vaccine shot in?
More time for his reptiles.
All I want is for King Kyle to win the 100 free in Paris and retire on Mount Olympus. Man’s a warrior, the heavy racing has taken a toll on him for sure this year, but he will make it back.
Popovici
No chance, atm at least
What are you talking about? He went 47.3 as a 16 year old, he’s gonna be fast as hell in 2024
Hopefully he recovers quickly. With the current shape he has he could break the long course WR.
I agree i hope he recovers quickly but if i was his coach id just scrap this whole LC season, possibly next SC season and make sure his body is fully ready going on to 2024. The only reason he isn’t 46 mid is because he’s been injured every year since Rio.
So you think he should not swim until start of 2023?
I don’t think he should compete until he is 100% recovered and he see’s a specialist about his shoulder health. He’s gotta make sure he doesn’t get injured again. Obviously still swimming and weights but with more of a kick focus till hes good.
Just what he needs, an even bigger kick.
I seriously doubt it’s racing that’s injuring him.
He will be back