With the world’s sprinting contingent from Brazil to France, from China to America, putting one another on notice headed into the final months leading up to the 2016 Olympic Games, one mega star is looking to make his potentially triumphant return onto the international speed scene.
Australian double World Champion and 2012 Olympic silver medalist, James Magnussen, will indeed be returning to racing, as previously reported, at the Victorian Open Championships later this month. Taking place at the MSAC Outdoor Pool in Melbourne from January 22nd-24th, the Victorian Open will mark “Maggie’s” first competitive splash since his nation’s World Championships trials/Australian Nationals held back in April of last year.
At that meet, Magnussen earned the Australian national title in the men’s 50m freestyle and finished runner-up to teammate Cameron McEvoy in the 100m freestyle race. However, Magnussen ultimately pulled out of Kazan in order to undergo shoulder surgery, which took place in June.
According to Magnussen’s camp, later this month the 24-year-old will be competing in his signature sprint events of the 50m and 100m freestyle. Recognizing the Victorian Open meet as one in the athlete’s “very early stages of his return to racing”, Magnussen’s representative, Mark Jones, tells SwimSwam that Magnussen’s recovery “has gone very well to date.”
“All is on track for the next major goal, which is qualification for the Australian Olympic swim team at trials in April,” continued Jones. “That is certainly the focus for James and his team and it will be a steady build-up to that point.”
The men’s 100m freestyle heats and finals of the Victorian Open Championships take place on January 22nd, while the 50m freestyle event is slated for January 24th. A full meet preview will be published ahead of the start date.