Cam McEvoy Pumped To Take On The World After A Scorching 21.38 Season Opener In Tokyo
The world’s fastest man, Cam McEvoy, who will now unleash his power against a World Team in Brisbane after a dynamic 21.38 long course 50m freestyle season opener at the Japan Open in Tokyo overnight.
Australia’s Queensland-based 31-year-old Olympic and two-time world champion even surprised himself after only deciding to swim the meet four weeks ago –purely on a gym-based preparation.
The Australia v The World short course meet at Brisbane’s Valley Pool on December 12, will see Australia’s Dolphins line up against a European-heavy World’s team in front of a sold out-crowd – with McEvoy the main attraction over 25m freestyle.
McEvoy blasted off the blocks in Tokyo, covering the first 25 metres in 9.98secs – the same split he did at the Olympics and World Championships.
“I just had a gym focus with mostly sub-max technique work coming into the Japan Open. It is the second year in a row I have done this style of prep and split the same at the 25 as I did at the Olympics and World Championships,” McEvoy revealed on Instagram.
“The last 20m is clearly where the specific work really comes into it but I’m super happy to swim 21.38 at this time of the year. So good to see things transfer into the pool when you’re moving the needle properly in the gym.
“It’s a long season ahead and there’s still lots to do…but (this swim) …. gives me tonnes of confidence for continuing through this season as planned…now it’s time to get home to the family and reset for Australia v The World.”
And in another encouraging swim, McEvoy’s Paris team mate, Gold Coast-based Flynn Southam (Bond Swimming) clocked his personal best of 21.85 – under 22 for the first time – to finish second – the 11th fastest time by an Australian
And while McEvoy was on show in Tokyo, his female counterpart, 2025 Women’s 50m freestyle world champion, Meg Harris was also in sizzling form swimming at the Rocky City Twilight Meet in Rockhampton in Far North Queensland.
The 23-year-old two-time Olympic 4x100m freestyle relay gold medallist in Australia’s world record-breaking team and Paris silver medallist, won the 50m freestyle in 24.48 and the 100m in 52.86.
Two powerhouse swims to kick-start her season as she too sets her sights to take on The World at the historic Valley Pool.
Rockhampton was a trip down memory lane for Harris, herself a former Far North Queensland girl, who grew up in Mackay, some 350km north of Rockhampton, who now swims for the Rackley club under coach Damien Jones, based out of the Brisbane Aquatic Centre at Chandler.